Favorite steel types for knives & axes?

[fireandflux]

I’m curious about what kinds of steel you all like to use when crafting knives and axes. What do you think? Feel free to share your favorites along with any pros and cons you’ve noticed, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 

[forgeandforget]

You might want to start with 1084 or 1095 steel. They’re simple to heat treat, tough, and keep a decent edge. O1 tool steel is another option for better edge retention, but it does require an oil quench. For making axes, 5160 spring steel is almost indestructible and offers great toughness. Just avoid any mystery steel you find at hardware stores.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

For Knives I prefer 1075 through 1084, although I have made them from 1095 and 5160. As for tomahawks I have made a few from 4140 and 1060. Both steels make excellent chopping blades. These tomahawks I forged from 4140.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[hammertime]

Absolutely, when it comes to tomahawks, 4140 steel offers exceptional toughness and holds its edge remarkably well, making it perfect for tough chopping jobs. Its strength and resistance to wear are just what you need for challenging tasks. Great work on those tomahawks!

 

[FPDoc]

Beautiful hawks.. Ive often kused wrought iron or mild steel for the body and pieces of high carbon (old file etc) inserted into the edge (originally cost and availability). Functionally, a chance to learn other skills (can fold and weld the body from cheaper material, and drifting eyes are way easier than punching them, except wrought iron splits and drifts easily). Leaf springs work well for froes and hawks etc. can be hardened and tempered easily and are dirt cheap at a junkyard. Use whatever you have to learn the skills but you dont need O1 or D2 to learn.. if that makes sense?