Where to get inexpensive steel blanks?

M

M4C

Joined
Aug 29, 2003
Messages
12
Hi Guys: I just bought a belt sander & a bunch of files from Sears, try to get started on making a knife, more of a hobby. Now, where can I get some inexpensive steel blanks? Also what kind of steel is easy to work on for beginner? I am thinking 440C stainless or ATS34. Any help would be really appreicated! Thanks, Andy:confused:
 
I think O1 is the easiest stuff I have worked with, and you can heat treat it yourself if you want (need a propane torch, a few fire bricks, light oil, and an oven)
ATS34 and 440C aren't too bad to work with. 440C is easier than ATS34, but they will both wear belts out a little faster on your sander. 440C can be heat treated yourself, but I wouldn't recommend it being your first try, its just a little more complicated than O1. There are some good threads going on right now in regards to oil quenching it though if your interested.
ATS34 would have to be sent away to be heat treated, which isn't a big deal at all aside form adding a little time and expense. I had mine done by texas knifemakers supply, and am very happy with the results. Its also a good place to buy steel in small quantities : www.texasknife.com
 
If you mean 'blanks' already profiled in the shape of a knife, but without the bevels being ground, I'm not sure anything like that is available.
You can get blade steel from many sources. One of the better ones is Tru Grit.
http://www.trugrit.com/

They are good people, and their prices are good. The website sucks a bit, so you might just want to call them.
They are also a supplier of quality abrasive belts, at good prices.:D
 
You could have your own pattern "cut" out of a sheet by Admiral and others - usually they want quantities over 20, though. That would give you an already profiled blank that you could bevel grind yourself.

If you want something that's one step past a file, check out ebay for a seller who lists Nicholson knife blanks. They're usually 2 for $10 and very easy to convert to a knife (not as much to remove compared to a regular file).

Dan
 
pendentive
or anyone else who checked into this

Have you contacted Admiral about their blank cutting, if so what was your opinion on it. As far as price, ease of dealing with them etc. It is something that I have considered but haven't check into it yet. Thanks for any info.
 
Originally posted by Mark Nelson
pendentive
or anyone else who checked into this

Have you contacted Admiral about their blank cutting, if so what was your opinion on it. As far as price, ease of dealing with them etc. It is something that I have considered but haven't check into it yet. Thanks for any info.
Click to expand...
Mark i have my blanks cut for my rhino chop/slicer, steak knifes, and other culinary blades done there. its worth it on time,belts,bandsaws,etc, saved profiling. my chop pattern is the one on the board when you inter my site. lots of waste and work to get this profile. call Terry Summers. i have sent drawings and profiles out of micarta. he will take a computer file also.
 
Go HERE and look around. Most of the knife supply houses have "blanks" or what we refer to as "kit" knives. K&G has some pretty decent blades in ATS34 or 154CM (essentially the same steel).

A pretty good place for good quality kit blades are at http://www.kitknives.com They also have some decent folder kits if you are interested.

Craig
 
I'm a total newbie and I can tell you that O1 and 10xx are far easier to work on to begin with that stainless. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top