drill bit for steel machete

[hkpistole]

i bought a CS kukri machete to make the book of eli blade. I tired to drill 5 holes out ... number 1 hardly made it 1/2 through with a metal bit, i tried going down in size, but i feel all im doing is dulling the drillbits. WHat on earth kind of bit do i need to get through this temperd steel?? help

 

[Bo T]

You probably need tungsten carbide tipped drill bits. Drill slow with cutting oil.

 

[rpttrsn]

You didn't mention what type of drill bit you are using.
Carbon Steel: for wood and light metal use (gets soft cutting metal from to much heat )
H.S. Steel: For carbon steel, stainless
Titanium Nitride coated: 3x's life of HS bits, but not after it's been re-sharpened
Cobalt: For SS and other harder metals (135 degree cutting edge)
Carbide tip: harder material
Solide carbide: costly and brittle but can drill hard metals
The angle of the drill tip aids in your cutting: 118 degrees for normal use and 135 degrees for harder material.
Use plenty of cutting fluid and go slow with the drill speed and pressure
You might want to try a cobalt center drill to start the hole in the steel

 

[hkpistole]

i was using a Rigid brand colbalt drill bit.

 

[rpttrsn]

Seems like a good first choice. I guess the next step would be to use carbide like Bo T says.