Sources for Steel?

[NWArcher2]

Hey, Guys:

If any of you make your own knives from steel stock (cut to shape, heat treat, etc. - NOT a kit), what are your sources for steel? You know, either new stock that you can buy by the foot, or bandsaw steel, etc. If you buy formed stock, do you get cold rolled, hot rolled (do I have the right terminology?), or something else?

I've read that you can use leafsprings, too, but nothing specific about that option. Seems they would be too thick for regular knives (I'm thinking about a drop-point skinner), and I don't plan to set up a forge to hammer it to the right thickness.

I've looked at the yellow pages but there's nothing that seems to fit the bill for steel suppliers.

Thanks in advace for any help you can give me.

BTW, I've done a bunch of searches on BF to find other threads on this topic, but have found only references to kit makers. If I missed something, I apologize -- just point me in the right direction, if you don't mind.

John

 

[Cougar Allen]

Welcome to Bladeforums!

 

[NWArcher2]

Thanks, Cougar Allen. Why the cougar? I'm a WSU Cougar -- you?

 

[A C Richards]

Admiral Steel, Knife and Gun Finishing Supply, Jantz Supply, Sheffield Knife supply, Pacific Machinery and Tool Steel. These are just a few that should give you a good selection.

Good Luck

Chuck

 

[Dan Pierson]

http://www.toolanddie.com/
Precision ground O1, A2, D2, S7 at good prices with quick service.

 

[AcridSaint]

No one has plugged Kelly Cupples yet, great prices, great service, great shipping (free over $50). You can find his steel list and contact info on Darren Ellis's site:
http://refractory.elliscustomknifeworks.com/
Under "Steel for Knifemaking and Damascus". Pop's also sells steel if you're looking for more of the stainless variety, or you could order from crucible.
http://www.popsknifesupplies.com/
http://www.crucibleservice.com/

 

[J.McDonald Knives]

www.mcmastercarr.com has some selections.

 

[NWArcher2]

Great information!! Thanks, guys.

 

[teb_atoz]

Hey, Guys:

I've read that you can use leafsprings, too, but nothing specific about that option. Seems they would be too thick for regular knives (I'm thinking about a drop-point skinner), and I don't plan to set up a forge to hammer it to the right thickness.

I have a knife handmade in the Phillipines, it was bought by a SF friend when he was on a mission there. It is a beauriful knife but it is also a piece of junk as a working knife. I can sharpen it to cut paper and then a day later it is so dull it is dangereous. I think maybe it may not be tempered but it is a beatiful knife a rosewood handle and the guard and pommel are brass from 50cal melted and cast shell casings.
cheers