Where to get metal?

C

Cauldra

Joined
Jan 31, 2008
Messages
130
I'm looking for metal to make my first knife. I'm thinking of getting some of the stuff from http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php , but I wanted to get some other suggestions first. What do you guys think of this site? What would be a good local place to look? I have the book "The $50 Knife shop", which has suggestions on where to find cheap usuable metal, but I'm just want to make it easy for my first knife. ;)
 
I have read that jantzsupply.com is very slow at processing orders, so if you want some metal quickly, steer clear.

Aldo Bruno is a member of the forums that used to (still might) sell steel. Find him and send him an email asking for rates.
 
Where are you located? That can make a big difference. There are lots of good places.

Tracy Mickley http://www.usaknifemaker.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=10

Halpern Titanium http://www.halperntitanium.com/knife.htm

The first two have great service and knowledge

Tru Grit http://www.trugrit.com/

Admiral Steel http://www.admiralsteel.com/pdf/bladesteel.pdf

These last two are "walmart" style. Product selection and prices, but service and product quality depend on the day and the rep serving you.

There are dozens more - many equally good and please don't read anthing into any that are not in this post. I just have some blades to get out of the oven, so I had to keep the list (and the thought process) short.

Rob!
 
Thx for the quick responses. I live in South western PA. I am trying not to get mystery metal, which is why I came here! ;)
 
I have no with Jantz. Order on Monday or Tuesday ( a standard business practice).
It comes in two or three days.
Stacy
 
bladsmth said:
I have no with Jantz. Order on Monday or Tuesday ( a standard business practice).
It comes in two or three days.
Stacy
Click to expand...

I'll second Jantz. Never ordered steel from them but other items were spot on with great service.

I have placed two steel orders with Admiral and had great service and results. Also probally your best bet as they have 1075/1080 to start with at really good prices. Aldo does not sell stock removal thickness steel unless you are making a huge beater.
 
I like ordering from Admiral Steel. Good people to work with. But I have others on my site to order from. I have always got my order in 2 or 3 days. But its up to you who you want to order from. :)

Terry
 
I order a lot from Jantz. They are very seldom out of stock on items and I get shipment next day. USA knifemakers are good folks to deal with, but I haven't tried or priced their steel.
Cal
 
Cal, it doesn't hurt that you can probably spit and hit Jantz's front door. ;)

I can't complain about them either. I don't order nearly as much from them now, but I get my orders 1 day after I pay for them. I'm only 70 miles or so away.

As a brand new knife maker, they don't carry any steel that I want to use right now. 1095 and O1 are the simplest steels they carry. I prefer 1080 or 5160.

Walter
 
http://www.southerntoolsteel.com/

Is where i get all of my stuff, they have anything and everything you need, 01,a2,d2,1095,420ss, even d7 and S7

i pick up steel locally so not shure on shipping, i know their prices are better than most places and their is no minimum order.
 
There is no one supplying steel that can compare to service and options that Kelly Cupples offers. :thumbup:
 
Just got my first order from Kelly a few hours ago and I'm a believer.
Just wish I had heard about him sooner.


Michael
 
I was just at Lowes for other things when I came across this small area of different metal bits. I noticed amoung the metal that is heat rolled, perfect shape and dimensions, and I could pick from what was there. I couldn't find what kind of steel it was. It was advertised mainly for welders. Is this good, or should I just order stuff from online? I would rather just go back and get that stuff if it is decent.
 
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