Aldo's Custom Orders?

Langadune

Langadune

Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
212
I've bought all my steel from Aldo's so far, although it hasn't been in great quantities and have been pretty satisfied. Recently I've been looking into some other projects and want some steel in smaller quantities than offered when you click on the length. For instance 1095 and 52100 only come in 48" lengths. I'm operating on a somewhat strict budget to the prices get a little painful when I want anything larger that 2" width, that added with the cost of shipping to Kansas.

I've sent an email asking but haven't heard back yet. Does anyone know if they will sell in custom lengths, such as 18" or 24"?
 
Aldo's son has done a really good job the last year or so revamping their website and keeping it updated, but it's still worthwhile to call and speak to Aldo directly if you want something you don't see on the site. They couldn't possibly list every single piece they have.

I don't know about custom cuts but it wouldn't hurt to ask. He surface grinds all my stock for a very reasonable fee, so he may also be willing to make a couple cuts for you. The downside is that you may not save a whole lot by the time you have it shipped. It's not like if you order too much it's going to go to waste. Steel has a VERY long shelf life. :)
 
I've asked him if it would be possible to cut the 48" length to 4 12" bars for ease of receiving at my place he said no problems there.
 
If you call and talk to them, you'll find they offer a lot more services than what's posted on their website. you'll also learn that they have a lot more product in a lot more sizes than what's listed. Like the folks above said, CALL THEM AND ASK!!!
 
And when you call him you'll also learn that he likes to talk. Love me some Aldo Bruno!
 
Now that I think about it... maybe you should just call Aldo.

:D
 
Well... I called Aldo...

I didn't catch the name of the lady I talked to (she was very friendly but it wasn't Aldo); she said they're making several changes within the next two weeks, including more choices for quanities and sizes, all the way down to 6" lengths.
 
I didn't order anything yet. I'm still arguing with myself.

One of my "I wanna try this" projects is to make a small belt axe/hawk. I'll need 1/4 thick steel, 4 to 4 1/2 inches wide (I think). I'm most familiar with 1095 but I'm also thinking about trying O-1 or 52100. I'm still pretty new at this stuff and learning as I go.
 
Always start planning a blade project with the task, not the steel type.
If it is a slicer - go with higher carbon and finer carbides.
If it is a chopper - go with lower carbon and more alloy
If it is a beater - go with high toughness.

For a belt axe/hawk I would pick from 5160, or 3V..... or good old 1084.
 
bladsmth said:
Always start planning a blade project with the task, not the steel type.
If it is a slicer - go with higher carbon and finer carbides.
If it is a chopper - go with lower carbon and more alloy
If it is a beater - go with high toughness.

For a belt axe/hawk I would pick from 5160, or 3V..... or good old 1084.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice... I had considered 1084 but apparently my search skills are weak and I couldn't find examples of axes/hawks in 1084. I've seen more examples in 1095 and O-1, that's why I was leaning that way. I was also leaning toward 1095 because right now that's what I'm familiar with. I wasn't sure about the "workability" of the other steels and apparently I fear change. Ok maybe not "fear" but still new at this and am continuosly surprised as I continue to find out how much I don't know that I don't know.

I was hoping for a light duty chopper that could hold enough of an edge for slicing/skinning. I guess that's what a belt hawk should be able to do.
 
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Stacy always gives great advice . I would say 1084 or 5160 would both be great choices .
 
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