Regarding the 7 mm sheet versus the 6.5 mm sheet, the blokes interested in the firmer chisels, and turning chisels unanimously would prefer the 7 mm thick sheet. The blokes interested in the plane blades would be happy with 5.5 mm.
Therefore I think we will go for the 7 mm sheet and we will water grind down the 7 mm to 5.5 mm for blokes for the wanting plane blades. For everyone else we will make the applicable tools 7 mm thick.
I got a quote from Russell the waterjet cutter and I have a quote for the steel sheets. I am however need to get quotes for the handles and the sockets. I will have them in two weeks.
So far the cost of M2 HSS, the waterjet cutting, the heat treatment and surface grinding comes to $55.65, per chisel, the socket should be about $4 and the handle about $6. So we are looking at about $65 per chisel without a handle and $75 with a handle at this point.
I will confirm final prices in the coming week.