Knife steel

[Three balls]

Can any of you gents direct me to where a guy could purchase some O1, 1075, or 1084 sheet steel, in thicknesses of .125 to .250 to make knife blades from. I'm getting interested in making knives, gut not having good luck, finding steel. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

[B.Habermehl]

Try the McMaster Carr catalog or web site they carry O1 and W1 for sure. BJH

[Canute Rex]

I've had good luck with Admiral Steel:

http://www.admiralsteel.com/shop/

[LRB]

Aldo Bruno, The Steel Baron. Unless you have a heat treat oven, you don't want to work with 01. Stick with the simple carbon steels. 1080, 1084. Also avoid 1095. 01 requires a soak time at the austenitizing heat that can only be done with close temp control, and 1095 requires a super fast quench medium that often results in cracked blades or poor performance for beginners. 1080/84 is very user friendly for beginners with minimal equipment.

[P.W.Berkuta]

Can any of you gents direct me to where a guy could purchase some O1, 1075, or 1084 sheet steel, in thicknesses of .125 to .250 to make knife blades from. I'm getting interested in making knives, gut not having good luck, finding steel. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Try here <http://www.usaknifemaker.com> they also list a place that you can send your blades to for hardening (for a fee).

[LRB]

  The above is a good outfit. They recommend Peters Heat Treat which has a very good rep. and will do 01 steel. The problem is the price. A single blade will cost you over $40.00 with shipping charges. You get a better deal sending 4 or more at a time. You can do 1080/1084 yourself for just a few dollars. Either is very forgiving with beginners. A Bar-b-q  grill with wood charcoal, and an air supply from a hair drier. Quench it in warmed canola oil. Temper in your kitchen range. PM me for details if that would interest you.

[Three balls]

I thank everyone who has replied, it is much appreciated.