Not quite what you asked for but…
Try opening the yellow pages in your area (online yellow pages too)
Under “steel –distributors and warehouses”
There will be a lot of them that just do structural steel like I-beams and channel iron
– Look for the ads that specify -“tool steel”
Also try
“Tools-Cutting”
For suppliers of machine shop tooling and supplies.
They will usually stock some precision ground O1 and D2
Also very good place to know for drills, files, aluminum oxide-abrasive paper…
They stock a larger variety than what is available in the hardware stores and at lower prices.
Get a catalogue if they have one, you can learn a ton from it.
The counter man usually has some flexibility as to the discount he can apply at the cash sales counter. If he seems open, tell him what it is for and you may be surprised at all the help you get. Knife making is different and interesting from their routine.
I find that I can get a lot of what I need very close to home and without the shipping costs. Especially on heavy steel.
If there is any industry in your area at all, you will find what you need.
Steve
