Material suggestions for a hatchet

[Kev]

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

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

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.

 

[Chris Railey]

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?

 

[Kev]

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.

 

[Stormcrow]

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.