Best hard-use steel for hammer-poll hawk / axe?

[Warriorsociologist]

Oh the possibilities: S-5, 1075, O-1, 5160, 4140…of all these steels, which one would be best to use for forging a hammer-poll hawk out of that must be able to stand-up to hard use (actual wood chopping and hammering). I am leaning towards S-5 right now…

 

[Bruce Evans]

Don't know abot the S-5 myself.
I just usually use 5160 for my Hawks.
Bruce

 

[B . Buxton]

I agree with Bruce, 5160 makes one tough hawk.

Bill