Knife Steel Sources

[Stagesmith]

Hey Guys.
I just got back into knife making after about 15 years out.

My current passion is Japanese style kitchen knives.
My problem is finding a source for tool steel wider than 2 inches.

I am focusing on stainless steels for practicality of use, and until I get my forging press built I am in stock-removal land.
This leaves me with a problem.
The only source I have found so far is to cannibalize large Chinese kitchen cleavers.
I can buy them cheap, and can make blades up to 3" wide and 3/16" thick with the right cleaver, but it gives me no control of the steel.
Best guess is the steel I am working with here is 420HC.
It holds an OK edge and is acceptably rust resistant.
These are not serious blades ,but are good practice for my grinding skills.
I would love to find a source for the better steels in wider sections.
3/16" x 3" ATS-34 would be great, but I can't find it any larger than 5/32" x 1-3/4".
Same with all the other exotic blade steels.
So is there any source for wider sections of blade steels?

I have no trouble grinding this stuff.
I have a 3HP 3 phase Hammond grinder with variable speed.
This thing eats tool steel.

 

[12345678910]

Have a look at this sticky

Sticky: Review - knife makers list -just click and look/ site

It's very poorly named...
- should be "Knifemaking Supply Sources" or something like that
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699736

 

[Phantom Steelworks]

Try your luck with Mcmaster-Carr. You should also contact Aldo Bruno on the forum, very cool dude...and is considered by many...."The Steel King":thumbup:

 

[SBuzek]

You can get 3/16" 154cm up to 6" wide from niagara metal.
http://www.nsm-ny.com/pdf/154cm.pdf
Stan

 

[Stagesmith]

I found what I was looking for at Alpha Knife Supply, right here in the Seattle area.

http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/bladesteel.htm

I just have to get my resale certificate renewed so I can buy from them.