Cheaper Sources for 416 Stainless?

[Bob Lyon]

416 seems a bit expensive from the usual knifemaking suppliers. Has anyone found a cheaper source?

I've been looking around the web without much luck, though I did find Midlandxpressmetals.com that has 316 SS .25x1x72" for $16.50, which works out to $2.75/ft. Sorta hints that 416 would be comparable in price, though maybe 416 is just a lot more costly than 316.

Bob

 

[Chang]

416 stainless for 1/4 x 1" would probably be 7 to 10 dollars a foot at most knife suppy houses. http://www.SheffieldSupply.com has got it for like $7.50 a foot. They have the cheapest rate for 416 I've found anywhere on the net that sells in small quantities. It's supposed to be a lot easier to work than the 300 series steels. I'm going to order some pretty soon to give it a try.