Help with liner material

[nivejuncky]

I've been making fixed blade knives for a few years now and would like to take a try at making folders, particularly balisongs.

I've made a few with 1095 blades and brass or 01 steel handles and I'm happy enough with them to get a little more serious. I'd like to start making stainless steel blades (probably 154cm) and stainless handles. I've found several places to purchase blade steel but am having a problem finding handle material.

Could some of you kind folder makers answer a couple questions for me:
What liner/handle material are you using?
Where are you getting it?

I've looked at McMaster-Carr and they have 410 ss in precision ground flat bar. At 3/16"x1/2"x24" they want $52 and change plus shipping which isn't cheap from them. This will make one handle and seems a little pricey to me.

If somebody could steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

 

[Patrickknives]

Your request is a little confusing but I guess your question is where can you get stainless for the handles on a balisong. I have a local supplier where i can pick up 304 stainless and it would be about $12 for the handles on the balisong. you may want to see if there are some local suppliers. I will warn you that this is not precision ground and I would probably pay the $52 rather than mill this to a workable piece.

here are some good pieces at texasknifemaker

http://www.texasknife.com/vcom/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=stainless&osCsid=87f34aa7317c948631bd92cd4e663841

 

[Jim Adams Customs]

A good SS for handles is 416 SS. It is what engravers prefer. All the knifemaking supplier have it. Just order it when you order your supplies.