Oversize vs Precision Ground Flat Stock

D

DrThunder88

Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
957
While taking advantage of an online retailer's free shipping, I ordered some oversize A-2 flat stock. I noticed that precision ground A-2 costs more for a piece of the same dimensions (1/8" x 2" is my usual yardstick, but the pattern was repeated for similar sizes). This made sense to me since further processing would undoubtedly raise the price. I also noticed that precision ground O-1 flat stock tends to cost less than the same size piece of oversize O-1, which I could rationalize since there is simply more steel due to the oversize dimensions.

Is this just marketing or is there another reason? Of the explanations I could concoct for this disparity, the most worrisome was that the annealing process for A-2 might cause significantly more decarb, and, thus, leave me with worn belts and less steel. Further, should this be a concern for making stock removal knives?

Sorry for barging in with what may be a pointless question. I normally try to passively absorb info here, but my searches have proved fruitless.
 
I buy precision ground over size O1 and A2, I think but cannot be sure that the oversize was before the stock was ground, so it is precision ground to the final thickness. Working with this is a real joy, no rounded edges to remove, no carbon, decarb, or other messes on the surface, and when you pull a piece out and start to work you have one whole piece of steel that fits your dimensions.

BTW I get no decarb when HT A2, this is in a electric kiln with ss foil wrap.
 
It would be hard to tell the difference without calipers, so just buy whatever is cheapest. I have used both many times and unless it is written on them, I couldn't ID which was which by eyeball.
 
PG stock was not originaly intended for the knifemaker. Most places offer it because sometimes in the machineshop/ tool and die business it's just easier if you need a piece of .1875 stock you can just order it that way. I use PG stock also, just to save time in the finishing process, especialy around the ricasso area. If you can find it, Blanchard ground stock is usualy cheaper. Blanchard grinding takes the bark off and leaves an easier to work finish, but not as fine of a surface finish as precision ground. And by the way I order whatever is cheaper( oversize or onsize ).
 
MSC did on 7/31 for a one-day promotion (thanks, TheArizonaKidd!) on orders of $50 or more. I think Enco is doing free shipping on orders $99 and up until 8/31 though.
 
Precision Ground Flat Stock comes in oversized and on size. oversize works great for people that have to do a bit more grinding afterwards.
 
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