Blacksmith Slot Punch, Thin Stock

The Water Oak Forge Thin Stock Slot Punch is a hand-forged blacksmithing tool designed for punching rectangular and elongated holes in hot steel, particularly material 1/4" thick or less. Ideal for traditional blacksmithing, toolmaking, and decorative metalwork, this punch provides an efficient way to create narrow slots for a variety of forging applications.

Featuring a thin, chisel-shaped working tip with a subtle point, the punch is designed to penetrate heated steel while creating clean, elongated openings. With a working end approximately 1/8" thick and 5/8" wide, this tool is particularly useful for punching slots in lighter stock without unnecessarily displacing large amounts of material.

An excellent tool for making hand-forged bottle openers from 1/4" × 1" flat bar! The thin working profile is ideal for creating the slotted openings commonly used in traditional forged bottle opener designs.

Materials & Specifications

• Material: 5/8" round O1 tool steel
• Overall Length: Approximately 7"
• Working Tip: Thin, chisel-shaped profile with a subtle point
• Working End Dimensions: Approximately 1/8" thick × 5/8" wide
• Available Sizes: Multiple widths
• Finish: Oil-blackened
• Construction: Individually hand-forged in South Carolina
• Intended Use: Hot punching rectangular and elongated holes in steel, typically 1/4" thick or less

Tool Care & Recommendations

Made from normalized O1 tool steel for durability and toughness during hot-working applications. The working end is intentionally left unhardened for ease of maintenance. Due to its thin cross-section, frequent cooling is especially important to prevent overheating and deformation of the working tip.

• Hot Work Only: Use on steel heated to forging temperature. Never punch cold or hardened steel.
• Temperature Control: Keep the working end cool and 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. Ensure adequate clearance beneath the material to protect the working tip.
• Inspection & Maintenance: Regularly inspect for cracks, chips, bending, or mushrooming. Dress tool ends as necessary and discontinue use if cracks are present.
• Safe Striking: Use an appropriate, non-hardened striking hammer and controlled blows. Avoid excessive force that could bend or damage the thin working tip.

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.