Hi,

I've made knives before, and it's very easy to find something like an 8 inch blank for that and material choices are largely aesthetic, but obviously swordmaking is a lot more "cult" and I can't find any Swordmaking Marts in town.

I'm assuming I need to order something like a 3- or 4-foot blank of 1060? 5160? (which?) directly from an industrial metal supplier (which?)?

Any recommendations in regards to both questions would be greatly appreciated. If it's of any relevance I'm aiming for a a medieval cruciform sword about 35-40 inches in length and modeling it around the profile of an Angus Trim I already own.

Another good source for 5160 is spring shops. A lot of truck springs are made of 5160 and are readily available. You might want to call a spring shop in your area and talk to them about it. U pull it parts stores may have some you can take off an old pick up, too.

I 2nd Aldo. Just got a batch of high carbon for pattern welding. Good stuff and a great guy.