Prices on blade steel

[PatrickBarter]

I'm assuming lots of makers spend more on blade steel than they need to. For tool steels like O-1, D-2, A-2, M-2, etc, I can't find better prices than www.flatground.com. For steels like ATS-34 and 154 CM, I am at a loss. Everything seems inflated. Could y'all share your secret discount steel sources here?

Patrick

 

[balibalistic]

Id be interested to know aswell!! seems like PG ats,154 or anything is absolutly through the roof!! i cant even afford the stuff anymore :jerkit:

 

[jll346]

I'm assuming lots of makers spend more on blade steel than they need to. For tool steels like O-1, D-2, A-2, M-2, etc, I can't find better prices than www.flatground.com. For steels like ATS-34 and 154 CM, I am at a loss. Everything seems inflated. Could y'all share your secret discount steel sources here?

Patrick

Flatground does have some great prices along with some great service.

 

[Russ Andrews]

For tool steels call a distributor/manufacturer and ask for
DECARB FREE not precision ground. Decarb free has the bark milled
off and is usually oversize....
It's also a whale of alot less expensive.
I've purchaced decarb free O1 from Carpenter, and from
Cincinnati Tool Steel. They'll probably have other decarb
free grades also.

 

[Chris Meyer]

I get my Starret O-1 from KBC Tool when it's on sale. Check out page 56 of their current sales flyer.

For example 18" Starrett precision ground, spheroid annealed, O-1 flat stock 3/16" x 1.5" at KBC is on sale for $12.75 (usually $15.00)

Flatground's 18" O-1 (unknown if precision ground or spheroid annealed) in the same size is $16.16 (it drops to $15.29 per piece if you buy 6 or more).

I didn't check the shipping charges, but KBC's price is lower even when not on sale.

 

[Steve Hayden]

Flatground.com steel is precision ground and annealed. Where they really kick butt is on A2 and D2.

Most manufacturers prices on pg are twice or more as high which gives them room to go a lot lower on cold rolled annealed. The trouble is they are harder to deal with and often don't really want to fill small orders.