Hello everyone,
I have been looking for materials for guards and handles and really seem to come at a standpoint regarding my searches. Most materials I want to be thick at around 3/8 of an inch. I need 416 stainless for a hunter or two, but I am looking to buy a good amount to keep around the shop for awhile. The stuff is expensive from most suppliers I have seen and also I have a hard time finding the thickness I want. Also I have been thinking of using silicon bronze over brass now, I have seen suppliers for this material on the forums but I don't want to have huge quantity yet since I haven't used it before. Also I am looking for a good source of g-10 to try for guards possibly as well, and am looking for blocks of g-10 or micarta to make a purple handle for a gift to a friend. I have had issues of finding blocks of this material, especially in purple. I am pretty new to purchasing any of these materials and their sources, and how to work with g-10 or micarta as well. Any advice on this is greatly appreciated and would really help.
Hello Evan. Like a lot of makers I use a number of suppliers. For 416 I generally use Jantz Supply and Aldo Bruno ( New Jersey Steel Baron). Bronze I can get in smaller pieces from Alpha Knife Supply. As for handle material, Jantz again, Alpha again, Pop's knifemaking supplies, Arizona Desert Ironwood, USA knifemaking supply. Ivory is usually from Charles Turnage and Bill Miller in Missouri.
Hope these help.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Evan
The Topic of the Month for January 2012 has some valuable suggestions for suppliers.
Click: Topic of the Month for January 2012 - Knifemaking Suppliers
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
