O1 steel for a short sword

[Hjdharry]

Hi I am currently planing on making a short sword approx 20 inches with a full tang, I have ordered some 01 tool steel that is 20 inches, I have heard that 01 can become brittle when made a curtain size. I didn't know if I should find another steel like 5160 that is more springy or shall I try the o1? Would it make the steel and better if I tempered it on a higher heat? If anyone has anything that could help me out please respond or send me an email. Thanks

 

[Jens Schuetz]

It has been done before but I've no idea how it performs.
I did the same mistake. Read about how easy O1 is for beginners and only later read that it's best for smaller blades.
The blade I made sounds of similar length to what you describe though its about 1/4 thick towards the handle and 2 inch wide there. It isn't hardened yet therefore I'm also interested in what suggestions anybody might have.

 

[Highlander 20026]

would recommend 5160 like the zombie tools zakasushi i love it, 5160 makes an excellent sword steel and very flexible and durable, and holds a good edge when heat treated right

 

[J W Bensinger]

80CrV2 is comparitively simple to HT and makes a really, really good bolo/wakizashi/pinuti length blade.

 

[Schmoopy]

You could, but you would have to be very wary of any hard chopping or use.