This is a 14" x 1.75" blade made from W1 steel. Spine is 1/4" thick at the base with a gradual distal taper down to about 3/16" towards the end. This was claycoated and quenched in a 50/50 mix of SAE 30 oil and transmission fluid. The hardened zone is only a hair over 1/4" wide at the base and about 3/8" out near the end. I haven't decided on fittings and handle material yet.