Where can I get materials??

[J S Machine]

I am new to this knife making thing, and I already posted another topic with some questions. I am currently building a linerlock folder as my first knife, and I am hitting a couple of speed bumps lol.

I have used cruwear for my blade--a steel provided by Crucible Steel. It is slightly better than D2. for right now it is roughed in to shape, but nothing more.

I was originally going to use 01 for the handle frames/linerlock, but have been greatly discouraged by you all telling me that is not the best idea. Thanks to all who let me know about that...

Several have suggested titanium, but where in the world can I get it? I mean I have looked in some catalogs like MSC, and for what i need a 6"x6" piece is like $50 dollars.

I don't mind spending a little money, I was just hoping to be able to find some of these things before hand and not run into these problems.

I want to use aluminum for the handles themselves, with exotic wood inserts. I have a place that I can get the handles anodized. I have no idea other than ordering this stuff, where I will get it...I would love to be able to find some around me, where I don't have to pay shipping and all, and wait for it to come in..

If not titanium, what would be a good steel to use? also how will I get it to the proper hardness and tension i need it to be at?

Thanks guys

 

[Mike Turner]

Try here http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Read some of these tutorials and they should help answer some of your questions.

http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html

http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/index.shtml

 

[AcridSaint]

Try here http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/

+1 for AKS. Ti prices are reasonable in knifemaker's sizes, I've never met anyone who had a bad thing to say about them.

15N20 gets some play for liners, you can order it from Admiral or Kelly Cupples. I've been told to shape and cut your liners then spring temper the 15N20 by heating to 600 for a couple hours and air cool. I never used a set of 15N20 liners, but I did spring harden some with this and it seems to work well enough. Problem is, the stuff doesn't seem to like to stay straight.

There are also some folks that use stainless, but that part is beyond my experience and best left to someone who's actually used it in that capacity.