L6 Steel

[canyonman]

I'm looking for a source for L6 steel. I do stock removal type construction and can't find any that is at least 1/8 inch thick. Any ideas?

Larry

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

Go to Knifemaker's Supplies on my website there is a list there and one for all your knife steel needs. I hope this was of help to you. God bless and have a safe day in the shop.

http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/barkeslist.htm
:thumbup:

 

[Terry_Dodson]

I tried the link and it said Page Not Found

 

[Kevin R. Cashen]

Canyonman, it has been a problem for some time for people to find actual L6 in flats less than 1/2". Many people think there is some metallurgical reason why hammer heads seem to be the ones that use this steel the most. I think it is because we have the means to squash it to any size we wish. I would look less at the major producers and sellers and look for resellers that may have got the idea to have some rolled or otherwise reduced into thinner stock. Also, of course there are the close matching alloys that can be an alternative. It is frustrating that often L6 is too thick and 15n20 is too thin, leaving this annoying gap between 1/8" and 1/2" for us makers.

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

I tried the link and it said Page Not Found

its working now, Sorry for my typing error.

Barkes
http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/barkeslist.htm

 

[the possum]

I'm looking for a source for L6 steel. I do stock removal type construction and can't find any that is at least 1/8 inch thick. Any ideas?

Larry

I recently went through this dilemma myself. Unless you get really lucky and find some scrap that's been sitting in a warehouse for a couple decades, it seems your only choices are big round bars, or flat bars at least 3/8" thick.

I ended up getting some 3/8" thick stuff (made by Carpenter Steel) from Cincinnati Tool Steel, and had it forged/rolled thinner by Tim Zowada. He charged me $90/hour for his labor, which is probably a very fair price, but you may be able to find someone else closer who could also do it. Just make sure they can anneal it properly after working it so you can actually grind & drill the stuff.

'Course, when you get into that kind of price range just to get some stock you can work with, you may also be able to find other alloys that would work fine for your purposes. What kind of blades are you planning to make from it, anyway?

 

[canyonman]

Thanks for all of the replies. Possum, I make various hunting knives for friends and family, along with some fillet knives from time to time.

Larry