Steel for stock removal tomahawk/crash axe

[clivehamilton77]

Hey guys,

I've searched all over the forums and it seems the only steel i hear about when it comes to hatchets, axes, tomahawks involve forging. I did see one thread that suggested 5160 or L2, but it didnt really go into explaining. I was wondering if you all could recommend a good steel for a 1/4" thick or anything under 1/2" for a tomahawk or crash axe. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks y'all.

 

[Matt Markell]

The main reason forging is recommended is because with stock removing a tomahawk, you get a lot of waste. Some do it though so if you want to give it a try, here's some steels chosen mainly for their toughness:

5160
L6
CPM 3V
S-7

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

Use that link to search those steels and figure out what would work best for your needs.

 

[clivehamilton77]

Awesome Matt. Thanks! Yea I'd love to get into forging, but i think that is down the road. Im trying to locate a local blacksmith so I can my apprentice with him or learn a few things. Thanks for your help.

 

[clivehamilton77]

I guess I'll have to see if Aldo can take a special order for somethign thicker than .25" for one of those types of steel.

 

[Matt Markell]

I believe Aldo has 1075 in ~.3" stock, not certain though.

For S-7 check flatground.com They also have A-2 which would work well and they sell both steels in the thicknesses you are looking for.

 

[clivehamilton77]

Ok great! So 1075 could work as well I see. Ive worked with it before so I may have to defer to that one.

 

[Storm Crow]

I like 4140 for axes and hammers and tomahawks and power hammer dies and such. Very tough, and a simple heat treatment. You can get small pieces of it in plate form from Speedy Metals.

If you ever find a source for 5160 plate, please let me know about it!