What are best value (price/performance) stainless steels?

Well, I just finished reading that other thread linke by Emre above, and the 13C26/AEBL sounds interesting, though Larrin made one comment that it might not be a great choice for hunting knives which is the knife style I've been making most of.

Does the AEB-L have the same problem as 13C26 of being shipped on a roll and coming with a curve? Also, do these steels have a routine sort of heat treat protocol, or do they require specialized handling?

Thanks again!
 
My stock is a quite large sheet, and yes it has a slight curve. After cutting the profile I straighten on the vise first then sand it flat to be sure. This steel comes very soft from the factory, you can bend and straighten the stock with ease. One warning: do not lean on the profile from one side on the grinder too much, it bends quickly and if you dont notice the bend, the grinds come up irregular...

Emre
 
I suggest going to www.alphaknifesupply.com and buying several different types of steel. Chuck has them in blade sized pieces, so you can make a blade from each type of steel and find out what works best for YOU. This is a cheap way to test many different steels without having to buy a whole bar and end up with a bunch of money tied up in steel you don't care for. Once you find one or two you like working with then you can buy them in bars/sheets without worrying whether you're gonna use them or not.
 
Crucible is making lots of CPM steel for the knife industry. Niagara Specialty Metals is fully stocked in S30-V, S35-VN, 154-CM, 3-V, CPM M-4, and CPM D-2. We are a little short on CPM 154 but that should be taken care of by next month. We have also sold several thousands of pounds to trusted distributers that should be able to get you whatever you need. Try SB Specialty Metals, Admiral Steel, Tru Grit, Jantz, Midwest Knifemakers, Sheffield and Knifemaker.CA.

Bob Shabala
 
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