Kelly, I believe it was that Doug Campbell dude that Walt mentioned that recommended to me to use skill saw blades. I'm not sure the metal-makeup. Some degree of stainless I think but the hardness is about right according to Doug.
They are difficult to sharpen, but then I can't sharpen anything. I'm having them remade right now in something softer that I can sharpen then anneal.
I drilled the holes by hand during all the initial experimenting. I like the look but the truth is that the sinew is not needed.
I found that two part epoxy ONLY would hold these into wooden shafts (hickory/ash) when shot point-blank into large fir trees.
And they have no problem punching through 5/8" plywood, up to the shaft.
Thanks, Ipcjon2.