what type of steel?

[bigtree31]

I have a small blacksmith shop and I wanted to try forging knives and I would like to make a knife similar to the Kellam Pukkos style. What type of steel would be good to work with?

 

[Ed Caffrey]

10XX series, 5160, or even O-1. All are acceptable choices. The 10xx steels will be easy to forge (move under the hammer), the 5160 will likely be the most forgiving. Just try different things, and find what works for you.

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Ed Caffrey "The Montana Bladesmith"
ABS Mastersmith
www.caffreyknives.com

 

[AchimW]

As the puukko is a very short bladed cutting-only knife which doesnt take a lot of lateral forces you may consider to take a higher carbon steel like 1095 or 52100E, too. If treated right, these will give you superiour edge holding.

I would suggest to start with 5160 to get a feeling for the forging and heat treating of blades and to change to the higher alloy steels later.

Achim
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