They tested different blade shapes before ending up with the diagonal blade. I think maybe the inefficient blades need to be retested on the rich. Make sure that two drops of the round or straight across blade isn't just as effective as one diagonal blade drop.
Those reality shows about blacksmiths used to be pretty popular, I'm sure they can pivot to making that kind of blade. We can even have a crossover with the survivor style reality shows starring future guillotinees except we don't help them out
As a blacksmith who has made this kind of blade before, it's incredibly boring.
Not much forging for this particular piece.
If I were to make another, I'd just buy a bulk piece of carbon steel, say 1075 given the large bulk to it, cut the wedge in, and use an industrial grinder to put most of the edge in, then harden it.
I couldn't really handle anything more than like a 3' .125"x.125", i melted the heat safe gloves I had (which, according to the instructor, meant they worked, I got my hand away before I lost it) and anything sharp was just hours at a grinding wheel.
And making a plate or anything thin? Fuck that. Welding? Fuck that too. Get your piece so hot it is just below melting point, sprinkle borax on it, and keep it at temperature while you smash the shit out of it and sparks are flying everywhere and then you have an axe head