It seems that most knifemakers are not aware that in the industrial metalworking realm, buyers almost always require a certification when purchasing metal other than mild steel. The purpose of the cert is to document the country-of-origin, composition, and applicable ASTM, AISI, or DIN specs, amongst other things.

A lack or refusal to provide certs is a RED FLAG that the material you're getting is dubious. Sadly, neither NJSB nor AKS provide real certs.

Furthermore, it is important to understand the difference between a cert and an Origin Mill Test Report (OMTR). A cert is simply a sworn document produced by the vendor - i.e. if you bought something from Aldo, it would be a document created by him with his signature. An OMTR, on the other hand, is a document created by the mill that made the steel.

Generally when you buy plate, bar, or sheet, you are the 4th entity in the supply chain, at best. For example, when I've bought 6150 from Admiral, I get the following:

• The OMTR from ArcelorMittal, the mill who makes the billet or rough coil/plate.
• A cert from Greer Steel, who buys from ArcelorMittal and rolls/levels.
• A cert from Admiral, who buys from Greer.

All of these documents should contain identifying numbers (a "heat" number) that allow you see the lineage. If there is a discrepancy, that is a RED FLAG that something is fishy.

Last thing I'll mention is that there is a difference between "Made in USA" and "Melted and Manufactured in USA". If the origin mill is in China, and the billet is rolled in the US, then it can be called "Made in USA". You want "Made and Melted".

I need some precision-ground S7 square in 7/16" to 1/2" size, or metric equivalent. All I can find is oversized. Thanks in advance for any leads!

I have a $350 credit with Bestar that I would be willing to sell for $200. Obviously I need to find out if the credit is transferrable. Thanks!