I'm in Kentucky. There are several things in the Instructible that were questionable due to other sources of information, but that was the basic plan, i.e. Cut out a blank with a grinder, grind out the blade profile, heat treat and temper, add a handle. I was planning on picking up some maple to use for the handle.
Where would I go about getting chunk? It's what's called cowboy charcoal, right? Can't I find it at a hardware store?
I ordered a 1/8" thick bar of 2"x48" 52100HC steel from New Jersey Steel Baron.
I knew that quenching in water was a mistake; I was planning on quenching in canola oil warmed on a skillet, although if you think something else would work I'm game.
As I said to the iron dwarf, I'm planning on using maple for the handle and am considering spalting the wood first.