source for 52100 round stock

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
Hi guys-

Ironically, the first thread that comes up via google-bladeforum search was me asking this question back in 2001. There wasn't an actual answer to the question though! lol

I know Admiral has it in 3/4" round. McMaster-Carr has it in any size up to 3" but they won't show a shipping price! :confused: Ray Kirk looks to have prices that are very competitive with McMaster-Carr, but he can ship it in 1' lengths in flat-rate boxes. Which is perfect for me. Fry Steel carries it, but I'm not a huge fan of them anymore--- (I know a custom knife maker who takes a year to go through a couple bars of round stock is a pissant to a place like that, but I don't need to be treated like one :grumpy:).

Most of the knives I have forged from it so far were from a couple dozen 3/4" rounds and one large 1-3/4" round I got from AKS several years ago, but I don't think Chuck has any of that left.

So anybody got any other sources they prefer?

And please don't tell me bearings! LOL I spent a few hundred bucks getting some Timken bearings tested that a rep TOLD ME WERE 52100, only to find they were NOT.


Thanks guys!!! :)
 
Nick you can call M-Carr and they will tell you the shipping price for your order before placeing it.That's about all I can offer :o

Stan
 
I've called Aldo for some exotic stuff that nobody carries before and he has always found what I needed.

If you'll call Aldo he can get it for you and ship it flat rate.
 
In the old days I worked for Timken and could easily get the real bearing quality rod 52100 ! The good old days.
 
Nick,
I can also ship the steel to you in long lengths but it has to be UPS and they charge about a $1.00 a pound plus. Depends on how far it goes.
I have most sizes of the 52100 as that is my steel of choice to use. .531", 5/8", 3/4", 1 3/4", and a little 2 1/4". These are all round bar and I got the mill specs with them or had mill tests done to insure they were what they were supposed to be.
I will be in Clyde, NC the last week end of October at the Haywood college for the ABS hammer in. I will be demonstrating the way I make my integrals and using my integral jigs. I know that is a long way from Oregon but maybe others would be interested in making the knives from the round bar.
If any one has any questions, please let me know.
 
Hey Nick

How big of material do you want. I can get up to 6.5" rounds for a very reasonable price. I will be coming up your direction in a couple weeks and can bring it up also. The only problem is it is 4.5 round minimum. These are drops from a local mill, actually I sent you some a few years ago. Did it turn out OK. If this does not work McMaster shipping is not too bad. I had them ship me some a few years ago andit came out to just over $3.50/lb delivered. I also have a small supply of that material left, I think 2-6' bars and IIRC they are 1.25 or 1.5 dia. I will give them to you for cost. I will even drop them off on my way through town if you want.
 
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Nick you can get whatever you want from 52100steel.com I like the double vacuum stuff but it is kinda spendy. Chucks deal sounds best.
 
Nick, I have been useing 52100steel.com and am very impressed with there product. The other option is do what I do. Go visit Bill Burke and grab some out of his shop when he is busy doing something else. Dang near straightened the rear leaf springs on the Dodge last time I visited him.:D
 
Thanks guys! :)

I hadn't had a chance to reply to this thread because I actually took part of Labor Day w-e off and we went down to the beach! :D

I missed the boat on Chuck's offer, but that was very generous and I really appreciate it.

Bill and Erik---- Thanks guys. I actually found that site right after I posted this thread. I fired off an email for pricing on a couple sizes but haven't heard back yet. I'm curious for future reference.

Thanks guys! :)
 
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