Where to buy blade steel?

I

IsaacG

Joined
Oct 28, 2013
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I am looking to buy enough 1095 high speed tool steel and 5260 spring steel (bar stock preferably) to make a hand forged Damascus katana (about 2-3 lbs of each) but can't figure out where the best place is to buy from. I live near North East Tennessee and haven't found anywhere online with shipping charges less than the cost of the steel. Any hints on finding cheap, but high quality steel? Also, if you would recommend different steels, please let me know.

-Isaac
 
1095 is not a high speed steel, its quite the opposite. New Jersey Steel Baron is the best place to buy steel.
 
Since you haven't filled our your profile, it is hard to answer you. The task you describe is one for a well experienced smith....with lots of equipment. I have a feeling that you aren't one of those. We don't know if you are a 16 year old student on a tight budget, or an engineer with cash to burn on hobbies. Filling out your profile with age, location, and the other info will help.

FWIW, 1095 and 5160 are not the norm in damascus. 1095 and 15N20 world be better, and 1084 and 15N20 are probably the best choice. Aldo Bruno, USAKnifemaker.com , Jantz, TKS, and several other suppliers sell these metals.
 
Try your local truck spring shop.. bet there are a few lifted/lowered trucks there. Just call and meet them. Tell them you are making a sword that always gets their attention.
You will pay for shipping no matter where you buy steel! We all do.
Read the tutorials at the top
 
Ok thank you, I've seen most of these providers before but New Jersey Steel Baron is new and looks like the right choice for me. I have made a few knives (all from scrap steel) and don't actually plan on attempting this until I have a little more experience. Thanks for all the feed back, and I'll be sure to update my profile.

-Isaac
 
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