80CrV2 thickness question.

[jdm61]

For those of you who have worked with 80CrV2, would you use 3/16 or /14 stock for a knife like the bigger one on the right? That was one was done in .207 CPM 3V and early that was more than adequate for the intended purpose, but the 80CrV2 seems to come in fewer thicknesses. The blade is FFG and As best as I can remember, about 1 1/4-1 3/8 wide and a bit over 6 inches long. Because of the guard bout and the thumb ramp/lanyard hole, I started off with a piece of steel 2.5 inches wide.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

1/4" is really thick for a knife. 3/16 is what a big camp knife should be. On a knife like you show, 1/8" is more than sufficient.

 

[jdm61]

I have a lot of 1/4 stock that I use, but since I heat it and whack it, it rarely ends up staying 1/4 thick. My big bowies are typically a heavy 1/4 or so at the ricasso, but taper out. As for 1/8, it may be sufficient, but it would likely not be DESIRABLE to the typical buyer of such a knife. So 3/16 it is.

1/4" is really thick for a knife. 3/16 is what a big camp knife should be. On a knife like you show, 1/8" is more than sufficient.