Steel for meat cleaver?

[nc_cooter]

The customer I made the goat skinner knife for now wants two custom meat cleavers. To meet his design requirements, I will need 1/4"x4"x12" stock. I think 3/16" thick would be acceptable.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

 

[mete]

See the posting on 'O-1' any of those steels will be fine.Pick the weight carefully. My 'chicken ' cleaver weighs 10 oz and my serious one weighs 2 1/2 lb.The first is less than 1/8" and the second is 7/32" thick.For goats you'll need something in between.

 

[Will52100]

Steel for a cleaver? My first choice would be L-6, but I don't think you can find it thicker than 3/16" in bar stock. O-1 would be a good choice, as would 5160. In the end it's the heat treat more than the steel.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

In carbon steel O-1,5160 ,1080,or 1095 should work.I would go with ATS-34 or S3V for stainless.

 

[blgoode]

Oh Buddy! Go with 1/4" stock. You'll love it when its done!!