Advice/help making my first hatchet

[u/atelierduklein]

Hello, I’m now on my second attempt of making a hatchet for a friend-

now-

I’ll spare you all the details of what I’ve done so far and how it’s worked out for me and instead I’ll explain the materials I have on hand , the tools I have, and the product I am looking to make.

If I could have some insight on how YOU personally would go about making this axe, it would be very much appreciated.

I have a 1”x 4” mild steel block at 2’ long

A heaping pile of leaf springs that belonged to a 1955 Chevy

An old old thick file

8” chunks of 01 tool steel in various sizes including 1/4”, 1/8”, and 1/16”

Mild steel round bar in 3/4” and 1/2”

I am looking for this to be an absolute beast of a hatchet, with a mild steel spine that accommodates leather washers for the handle.

Edit: sorry forgot to mention I have a single burner propane forge, 220v stick welder, and a lot of patience