I've called EVERYWHERE...

[Ray Hammond]

To get some bar stock nickel silver to make my own guards and pommels with...and its on backorder with EVERYBODY.

Has anyone got a suggestion? I'd rather not use 416 stainless just because its harder to work with, and I am already challenged enough as it is.

[kbaknife]

Ray, 416 is about the equivalent of working with mild steel, except it won't rust.
I quit using nickel silver about 5 years ago because it was so gummy and soft. It was difficult to mill/turn/tap/thread/polish without gumming everything up and then tarnishing on top of that!
304 stainless is about the same thing.
However!! 303 stainless is a dream to work with. You would need a bi-metal band saw blade to cut it with, but regular HSS drill bits and regular files work great.
Takes a good polish and does not scratch easily.
I'm a 303 kind of guy.

[vermonster13]

Did you try Jantz?

[Ray Hammond]

Vermonster- yep. jantz has thin sheets...no bar stock on hand. Tried Texas, Hemerdinger, Sheffield, and around 15 others as well.

So, Karl. You recommend 303 and get a bimetal blade from Sears, eh?

A good source for 303?

[bbassi]

Not sure this will help, but try some of the muzzleloader suppliers. Track of the wolfe or Dixie gun works off the top of my head.

[kbaknife]

Just think "Speedy Metals". I tried to get their link and their site was down for upgrading.
I get my blades from Fastenal, but don't know of their availability to you. Sears would be fine, but you'll need bi-metal.
303 or 416. You'll be glad you did.

This is an edit:
I checked and there is as FASTENAL in Woodstock, if that's where you still live. I'd get my blades there before Sears.
They can even order 303 for you!

[jgbennett6]

try northcoast knives