what should I expect to pay....

[Vikingmedic-AL]

I've sourced the material for the my first knife, and am picking up my belt sander/grinder next weekend. I've already started drawing up my second project. How much should I expect to pay for a piece of 5160 that is 1/2" thick, and 9x12

 

[scs.knives]

Not sure what you should expect to pay, but 1/2" thick is WAY TOO THICK.

 

[TheOTBalisong]

Woah, there.

First off, 1/2?!?!?!
That's extremely thick, and not only is it difficult to work such a thick stock, it's also completely un-realistic to use.

I hope that was a typo...

 

[fast14riot]

First off, WELCOME!

Take some time to look around and search the site. The stickys at the top of this page are a wealth of info. Please fill out your profile with age, location (city, state/country) there may be an experienced maker near by.

I hope the 1/2" thick steel is for bolting something to and not what you're hoping to make a knife from! But here is a link with suplier info

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/452465-***Newbies-Good-info-Here***


-Xander

 

[TheOTBalisong]

And yes, Welcome!
I was just thrown off by the 1/2 Stock to mind my manners.

Welcome to bladeforums and enjoy your stay.

 

[Vikingmedic-AL]

nope. i meant 1/2". not going to be a knife. think more along the lines of bearded hawk....

filled out a little on my profile....

eta:

 

[thegeek574]

1/2 inch is still a really thick hawk. I think I would personally go with 3/8ths (as he hints at a future project).

 

[TheOTBalisong]

1/2 inch is still a really thick hawk. I think I would personally go with 3/8ths (as he hints at a future project).

1+ :thumbup:

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would use 3/16" to a max of 1/4" for that hawk and do a wrap and weld style. If done in 5160, there will be no need for a bit to be added. Forge the wrap around a 1" steel rod, weld the joint, upset and angle the face/cheek to start the heel/beard, draw out the beard, drift the eye, do final shaping on the grinder, etch. This will be a lot of work, but an experienced smith should have no problem.

If you have a power hammer and the tools ( and experience) you could draw out a piece of 1X3X3 into that axe.

All that said, the project you have drawn is a task for a very experienced metal worker and smith. The decorative work can be acid etched in for a rustic "Antique" look.