Bit inserts

[Greg Scott]

Iam attrmpting to make a hatchet. Is 15N20 a good choice for welding between the cheeks of a mild steel hatchets head. My plan is to bend the mild steel aroung a mandrel to form the eye and then forge weld the 15n20 and the sides of the hatchet head. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Greg

 

[A C Richards]

15n20 is a bit thin but will work. I have used 5160 with good success. Any high carbon steel will work for you so long as it is not stainless. 1/8th to 1/4 inch thick will make a great bit.

BTW welcome to BF

 

[Kentucky]

If is thick enough it will work just fine..I always used at least 3/16" and prefered a 1/4"-5/16" thick..If you start with stock too thin by the time you have forged out the cheeks your bit will be so thin it may not even follow the edge of the blade or you have will have to grind your edge very thin just to expose the cutting bit..

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I like to use .50% carbon or less for the wrap and 1095 or W1/W2 for the bit.

A wrought iron wrap and a high carbon bit makes a really good looking hawk/hatchet.

Any good knife steel with .60% carbon or more will work, though.