Material suggestions for a hatchet

Kev

Well-Known Member
I’ve been asked to build a survival type hatchet/axe. It will be made via stock removal. I think I’ve settled on .250 thickness to start. What material would be the best compromise of qualities for such an implement?
Thanks
 
Good old 5160 is hard to beat for such an application. 1050 could also be used, but would be difficult to find in a correct size.
 
I have to agree with Ed on the 5160. If I were going to make a hatchet that would be the steel. How are you going to cut .250" steel?
 
I have to agree with Ed on the 5160. If I were going to make a hatchet that would be the steel. How are you going to cut .250" steel?

Sounds like 5160 it is then.

I have a few options for cutting out .25 material. Bandsaw, a different bandsaw, plasma, cutoff wheel, etc.

Thank you.
 
Full tang I presume? 5160, 4140, or if you can heat treat with a digital furnace, 80CrV2. Properly heat treated and proper geometry in any of those alloys will make a darn good axe/tomahawk/hatchet.
 
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