I have a set that I made close to forty years ago and they have had some heavy use without problems. I have made cold chisels from ISS blanks as well. I find that they out perform carbon steel.I peronaly wouldn't use drill blanks, there too hard and can shatter. Just buy a good brand name set and be done with it. Don't go cheap buy quality they will last you a lifetime. I've had Proto and Snap-On for over 30 years.