Kysa,
Got something planned up there? You didn't tell your ole bud? hahaha It seems to me that I have seen Koval with bars of 440V at a few shows although I will not swear to it. As far as 203 E goes that is easy to come by. I am sure I could pick a bar up at the show in St Charles this month. I am sure I could call a maker friend for some scrap if you want a really small piece. I am guessing you met someone up there who is planning on making damascus since 203E is used for that by a lot of makers. In fact damascus is the only thing I have seen it used for as far as knives go.
Regards,
Tom Carey