[Hunter10139]

I'm planning on making an approximately 10 inch blade Bowie knife out of either 1095 or 1084 and I have a couple questions.

1. Will a clay quench in canola oil provide a tough enough spine for chopping with a blade that large? I typically risk a water quench with 1095 but I also heat treat before grinding bevels (yes I keep the blade cool) and obviously I don't want to do that with a blade that large.

2. Is 5/32 an appropriate thickness for that blade? I want it to be light and fast with a good balance.

3. How would I adjust the balance of the blade if I plan in doing a hidden Tang construction? Where would the best place be to center the balance?

It's been a while since I've been here but I have time for knife making again. It's good to be back.