Makers advice on 5160 for a machete?

[valcas1]

I need some profesional input on using 5160 for a machete. I have this idea floating around in my head of a survival golok, machete that I would like to atempt. and have been thinking of using 3/16th 5160 for the project.

1. Do you think 5160 will make a good tough use machete?

2. What hardness would you draw back to so that it would resist chipping yet maintain a servicable edge. think field matainance I am thinking 56-57 RC hardness.

Any thoughts, debates, appreciated.

Paul

 

[J.S. Carter]

5160 would be great to use, the chromium (1%) will make it deep hardening, and the .6% carbon will keep an edge for a long time. I'd draw temper it at 425ºF - 450ºF for 2 + 2 hours. It should be approximatly 57-59 Rockwell (C)