Looking for a large piece of steel for a chopper

M

Minibear464

Joined
Jul 14, 2011
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I'm thinking of making a Kukri, but I can't find steel that's 3" wide and 1/4" thick. Being a student, I'm kind of on a budget, so I'm trying to find a nice cheap piece of steel. Preferably 16" or a little bit greater, since I don't want to waste steel. Considering 5160 or A2 steel- 5160 would be cheaper, but then I'd have to find someone to heat treat. A2 would be more expensive, but TKS can heat treat for me. Any tips on where to buy such a piece of steel and heat treat? And if there's any better steel I should be using, I'd really appreciate any input. I know Aldo has some, but I'm really hoping to find a piece under $20 or so. I only plan on making one large knife just to satisfy that bug, and will most likely not use such a thick piece of steel again. (Being in California, I'm really restricted to folders for carrying).
 
I've been swapping email with the good folk over at NJSB, and they are very accommodating... shoot them an email or drop them a line, they'll probably work with you on your order... I can't say anything as to cost though.
 
You'll probably have to buy 2' length from Aldo, but it can't hurt to shoot an email and see what they say, it's possible they have an odd cutoff laying around.
 
Thanks for the advice. Aldo's site doesn't show any other lengths but 4' for 5160. And I swear he sold A2, but I can't find it at the moment. Which steel would be better for a small chopper?
 
Sorry about the bump, but a couple of questions. Still haven't contacted Aldo, and I'm awaiting a reply. Also, is there anyone who can heat treat 5160? Otherwise I'm thinking of switching over to 1084 and doing it myself, but 5160 sounds more robust.

A safety/design question- is it okay to make a khukuri with no bolsters? I'm wondering if that will make the khukuri too weak to hold up to chopping.
 
There are many a traditional khukri without bolsters. You can look up alot of pics. If I am not mistaken the bolsters generally help to protect the handle material more then adding strength to the blade, ecspecially one of this size.

1084 would work very well, I think it will depend more on how you temper the blade then anything. 5160 will be tougher but its about what you can afford and work with. If 1084 is what you can get ahold of then grab it, do your own HT and your all set.

You didnt mention if you were doing forging or stock removal. If doing forging, I probably shouldnt recommend this but you could always get ahold of some ol leaf springs and use one of them. Aldo should be your first choice though.
 
I'm going for stock removal, and I'm using a block of ironwood as the handle Would that be secure enough? I'm thinking 5160 blade, rat tail tang, down to a desert ironwood block, secured with one, maybe two pins, and also some devcon epoxy. Would that be good? I'm worried whether the knife will be strong enough. Also, would it be okay to leave the tang at a 90 degree angle with the ricasso?
 
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