David56

I want to thank you for your reply, i guess what i'm trying to make is a ghetto katana as you call it, maybe there is a different forum that i should be in contact with, any suggestions?

I have purchased a few new leaf springs(5160 tempered, air hardening) to use as straight katana sword blades with lenghts of 24" to 29". This is going to be my first attempt at making swords, but have worked with metal for many years. So after cutting out my blade with a plasma cutter, and bringing the shape of the blade to is desired appearance, except for its final sharpening, then i must forge the blade to a non-magnet state for 5 mins, and then cool in wood ash or oil. Is this correct? Would appreciate any wisdom that you all may have. Thanks