forging stock

[Mark N]

My son would like to try some forging. I have some springs-probably5160-in 1/4" and 3/8-1/2" thick. About 2" wide. How large a piece do you think he should start with?(length) Probably bowie-thpe knife, knowing him!!  Or should we buy stock from a supplier? What thickness/length? I'm anticipating some thinning, etc. And a fair amount thrown in the "recyle" file. 1075? 1095?  Other?

[Lin Rhea]

The general rule of thumb is to start with stock slightly larger than the ricasso demensions. Using recycled steel, you will probably have to work it down in demension first, then forge the blade. I like my bowies to have 1/4 - 5/16 inch thick ricasso and hunters to have 1/8 - 3/16. Lin