Find,borrow or by what ever means possible get the book "The making of tools" by Alexander G. Weygers. This will give you a flying start into making your own in the manner and style that will fit your needs. There are others but this is the one that explains it best to me.
A source of tool steel stock is always a interesting sojourn in itself. A couple of possibilities are: Automotive springs. What used to be common junk but is now difficult to find is the spring material from early VW's front suspension which worked on a torsion principle. They are a nice size to work from. Old files are another scource if they are worn out and dull or even ruined they are best for you and cheap. Finally my good friend A. W, Rule from England used to make his chisels from (Silver or Silver's steel not sure) but his tools were nice and worked well. Old good quality chisel stock no matter the condition can be forged into helpful tools. Drill rod works well also. The trick to all of this is learning to anneal and hardened into a tough usable tool. Who knows you may end up with a new career or vocation. You never know until you try. Wathing the dvd "the gunsmith of Williamsburg" will help you understand where to go from here.
The making of handles for your tools is another way to use the cut offs and scrap from your stock making endeavors.
I hope that this helps rather than scaring you off. Be bold go ahead and try it what do you have to lose other than a little time. With any luck you will enjoy the experience
Happy Exploring
John McClure
