I would think either one would be fine for your sword. Just anneal the steel, in other words, just get it almost white hot, and let it cool. Then you should be able to reheat it, and start pounding on it. You will need a GOOD anvil, a big one! And a helper would be a godsend. If you have a big anvil, you can spot weld a piece of flat sheet metal about a half inch thick,to the top, area, and you will have a better shaping area, rather than a surface that is full of dents, and irregularities. It is very labor intensive, with just the minimal tools. A hammer forge would be nice, but then so would Norm's Shop on the Yankee Peddler....
But go for it, at the very least you will learn a lot! Tempering is probably the biggest part of knife making. The steel is important, some are designed for edge holding, some for strength, etc. A good steel, to get is an old truck, or car leaf spring. The older ones, have better steel in them. You don't want your sword to be too hard, or too soft. You want some springiness in it. Other wise it will shatter when it hits a solid object. You can do like some of the Swedish knives, and laminate a super hard thin blade in between to pieces of softer steel. But like I said, go for it. The worst that can happen, is you will enjoy it, and learn a whole lot . Like dang, that thing is still hot!
And well, I now know not to do that again!
Look for books on blacksmithing, and get a good one, and look for farm auctions, and anvils, and black smithing tools. Oh, and some ear plugs, a good leather welder's apron, gloves,and safety glasses!
And good luck. Nope not a blacksmith either. Had some friends who were though, and I am definitely going to get a big anvil, and make a forge, and start making knives, swords, and tomahawks, and axes, etc. when I move to Montana, which will be in a few months.
Wayne
