What type of stainless machines well for a 48" long sword?

Roger I went back and re-read my post about Chuck Bybee not having 303 stainless and it sounds as though Im looking for a donation. Thats is not my intent. Im just trying to decide the best steel to use and Chuck being the fine sole he is would like to take a part. You are also in his leauge. Knifemakers are among the most sharing and giving people on earth. I commend you for your own sacrifice to uphold the constitution in this manner but I will be compensated for this one and I cant accept your offer. Im proud to be associated with You and people like You. America is great because of Your mindset.

Best to You, Bruce
 
Bruce,

It never occured to me at all that you wanted any type of contribution. I just thought it right to put my money were my mouth was. I wouldn't even think of grinding a 48 blade but I had the nerve to suggest blade steel to you - a real knife maker. And too, the purpose you are making the sword for also hit a soft spot with me.

Roger
 
I would try and set up a design meeting with the artist and the musem and the foundry. You are being brought in as a expert sword maker they are paying for your input. The artist may say it has to be stainless but in fact only want the look of stainless. Work up some scale mock ups in other metals. Figure up weight and cost profiles. If the statue is hollow cast weight may be a bigger issue than the artists relizes. Long term care is a issue as well the client (the musem) may want a non rusting metal in spite of the artisit's wants. what is the viewing distance what will "read best at that range? Projects like this are a team effort and should be treated as such. As both a set designer and props master in the theater I frequently had to go up against artists and directors who insisted things had to be done one way. Most of the time if you can get them to relize your way will produce the "look" they want, they won't care if it's SS or tinfoil. I guess what I'm trying to say with this post is come up with the best solution you can bring that to the table. If the goal is to make the best statue possible than no one should have a problem with this. Just my two cents hope it's not out of line, but that Titanium sounds like the ticket.
 
300 series'll take a matte surface fairly fast, 400'll last longer but eventually it's not going to be shiny. Somewhat the same with Ti.

If a bright surface is required I'll think that almost anything (steel though) and thicker than usual Ni and Cr would be your best bet.

TLM
 
What is the possibility you may pick up a piece of 303/304 from a Boeing surplus or have one of those boys over Seattle way check for ya? Just a thought.
 
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