Rat, I've forged dozens of throwing hawks with A-36 mild steel. You're not forging a straight razor. It hardens more than one might think. I have never had on break or bend. The socket needs to be 1 1/4 " wide minimum to mount securely on the haft. A 1x 1 x 4 " blank will work fine. Drill a row of holes for the socket before slitting to get it straight. Spike hawks are evil and dangerous, avoid them.