Machete steel recommendations

[Atlas Knife Company]

I have a customer who would like a corn knife. Something with better steel than what he can buy at the store. I was interested in one of Fiddleback's 18", but they are 1075. What would be the top carbon and stainless for a working machete?

My research so far has come up with A2 and CPM 3V. I'd prefer something stainless as this is likely to be used in high moisture environments.

Thanks
Charles

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I make them from 5160 or CPM154 . Machete don't need extra carbon.

 

[Ed Schempp]

I've made several out of 15N-20. It is available in several appropriate thicknesses. Kelly Cupples will shear to rough size and is a good guy to work with...Ed

 

[mete]

I have a kukri made of 440B and it works well.Another is made of 5160 ? Truck springs usually. My Knowles chopper is made of CPM 3V ,That's sweet !!

 

[Alarion]

I'd use 1075, 5160 or, if I knew how to HT it and had the technical means, L6.
With my medieval technology I'd go for 1075 or 5160.
2 mm thickness at most (and that's THICK for a machete).