Blacksmith Slot Punch, Thick Stock

The Water Oak Forge Thick Stock Slot Punch is a hand-forged blacksmithing tool designed for punching elongated, oval-shaped holes in hot steel, particularly material thicker than 3/8". Ideal for traditional blacksmithing, toolmaking, and fabrication, this punch helps create clean, consistent slots for a variety of forging applications.

Featuring a V-shaped working tip, the punch is designed to penetrate heated steel efficiently while helping establish an elongated opening. Available in multiple widths, these slot punches are especially useful when forging hammer eyes, creating slotted connections, and preparing openings for drifting to their final shape.

Materials & Specifications

• Material: 5/8" round O1 tool steel
• Overall Length: Approximately 7"
• Working Tip: V-shaped slot punch
• Available Sizes: Multiple widths
• Finish: Oil-blackened
• Construction: Individually hand-forged in South Carolina
• Intended Use: Hot punching steel, particularly stock thicker than 3/8"

Tool Care & Recommendations

Made from normalized O1 tool steel for durability and toughness during hot-working applications. Working ends are intentionally left unhardened for ease of maintenance.

• Hot Work Only: Use on steel heated to forging temperature. Never punch cold or hardened steel.
• Temperature Control: Avoid prolonged contact with hot material. If overheated, allow the tool to cool until no visible red heat remains before cooling in oil. Never quench a red-hot tool in oil or water.
• Proper Support: Always use a pritchel plate or suitable punching block when punching through stock.
• Inspection & Maintenance: Regularly inspect for cracks, chips, or mushrooming. Dress tool ends as necessary and discontinue use if cracks are present.
• Safe Striking: Use an appropriate, non-hardened striking hammer and avoid excessive or repeated blows without checking the tool.

Refer to our Tool Care & Safety Guide for additional maintenance instructions and safe-use recommendations.

Handmade to Order

Every Water Oak Forge blacksmithing tool is individually handcrafted in our one-person workshop in Pickens, South Carolina. Due to demand, we do not maintain ready-to-ship inventory.

Smaller orders may ship within 7–14 days, while larger orders, tool sets, and orders containing multiple items may require up to 45 calendar days for production before shipping. Please visit our Order Information page for additional details.

As each tool is hand-forged, slight variations in appearance, dimensions, and finish are normal.