Best steel for practicing belt sander grinding

[awestib]

I hope it's ok if I post this question here!
I would like to know what your recommendation is in regards to an easy steel to practice grinding/sharpening on a belt sander. I was considering flat stock steel for it. Also, what would be a good place to order this?
I am not a knifemaker and I have a cheap 1" belt sander/grinder !!
Thanks in advance!
Andy

 

[xmtgx]

1084 from nj steel baron. No sense in putting good work to waste you will end with a useable blade any way.

 

[Frank Niro]

Get some flat stock from the corner hardware. It wonn't work for a cutting knife but sure will work to practice on. Frank

 

[Bowxpress]

Practice on wood to get a feel, besides when your done you'll have alot of letter openers !!!

 

[Phil Dwyer]

All the above...

 

[lonepine]

Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too. Use some good knife steel and use your grinder to do as much as you can and then finish up, or rather fix up all the boo-boos you made with files and sandpaper. This way you are actually making knives and your incentive to improve is that you will have to spend less time using files.

If you're going to do your own heat treatment then use 1080/1084. If you're going send out for heat treatment then use an air quenching steel because more places will do it.

- Paul Meske