Thinking of making some axes and tomahawks in 3V.

[Charles Jones]

Over the past couple of months I have been Forge welding quite a bit and out of curiosity while welding some 1095/15n20 billets I made up a small CPM 3V/mild steel billet, preheated for 15 minutes at around 1500 degrees and then brought it to around 2150 and welded it. I didn't think it would but to my surprise after it cooled and I ground the edges and found good welds. A couple of areas didn't laminate and I am sure it is because I didn't weld all the way around the billet. Planning on trying again in a week or two. But it got me to thinking, I had always wanted a nice camp hatchet or felling axe in 3V. I mean the sharpness and edge holding would be great for an axe and it definitely has the toughness. But 3V only comes .25 max thickness, and it is expensive that thick. If I could do a mild steel body and forge weld a 3V bit it would be affordable and incredibly durable. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I know 3V is not easy to sharpen but it is very doable with a diamond or ceramic stone. Anyone else have an interest in a 3V bit axe or hatchet?

 

[garry3]

Over the past couple of months I have been Forge welding quite a bit and out of curiosity while welding some 1095/15n20 billets I made up a small CPM 3V/mild steel billet, preheated for 15 minutes at around 1500 degrees and then brought it to around 2150 and welded it. I didn't think it would but to my surprise after it cooled and I ground the edges and found good welds. A couple of areas didn't laminate and I am sure it is because I didn't weld all the way around the billet. Planning on trying again in a week or two. But it got me to thinking, I had always wanted a nice camp hatchet or felling axe in 3V. I mean the sharpness and edge holding would be great for an axe and it definitely has the toughness. But 3V only comes .25 max thickness, and it is expensive that thick. If I could do a mild steel body and forge weld a 3V bit it would be affordable and incredibly durable. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I know 3V is not easy to sharpen but it is very doable with a diamond or ceramic stone. Anyone else have an interest in a 3V bit axe or hatchet?

I think there is a market for such a product. I confess to not being a costumer but ya...