80CRV2 Steel Flat Stock Knife Making Bars (8pcs, 12in x 1.5in x

In this review the reviewer looks at a pack of eight 80CRV2 steel flat stock bars aimed at knife makers and hobby blacksmiths; the single biggest reason to consider this set is the combination of ready-to-use bar size and an affordable price that lets makers stock up without buying individual lengths. The package arrives protected against corrosion and handling, making it practical for workshop storage, and the review focuses on real shop use for forging, grinding and basic heat treatment rather than precision pattern steels.

Key Features

• Package quantity: Eight 12in long bars provide a convenient batch for multiple blades or practice blanks without repeated ordering.
• Standard flat stock size: Each bar measures 12in x 1.5in x 0.12in, a versatile dimension for knife profiles and utility blades that need consistent starting material.
• Rust protection: Bars are wrapped with rust-proof oil, rust-proof paper and bubble bag inside a cardboard box, reducing prep work on arrival and protecting inventory.
• Value pricing: The set is positioned as a cost-effective way to obtain 80CRV2 steel for makers who want reasonable material costs per blank.
• Brand experience: From a supplier that lists multiple blade steels and related hardware, making follow-up purchases for other materials and tools straightforward.

Who It's For

This product suits hobbyist blacksmiths, beginning bladesmiths and small workshop owners who need a batch of consistent flat stock to practice forging, shaping and grinding without breaking the bank. The uniform size is good for teaching classes, jigsawing multiple profiles, or running consistent heat treat trials.

Those who need precision pattern welding stock, specialty stainless alloys, or guaranteed hardenability to a specific HRC should look elsewhere, because customers report mixed results on etching and occasional warping that may affect highly exacting projects.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good value for money when purchasing multiple bars for practice or production runs.
• Consistent, usable dimensions that simplify layout, straightening and scaling up batch builds.
• Effective packaging and rust protection reduce immediate prep and storage concerns.
• Supplier offers related steels and shop hardware for easy reordering.

Cons

• Some customers report variable steel quality and warping on arrival, which can require straightening before use.
• Etching and hardenability appear mixed in feedback, so the steel may not behave like pattern or specialty alloys during finishing.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The 80CRV2 flat stock pack is a sensible purchase for hobbyists and small shops who want a bulk set of workable bars at a fair price; it saves time with protective packaging and consistent dimensions. Buyers seeking perfect etch response, guaranteed hardenability, or zero warp risk should test a small quantity first or choose certified tool steels for critical builds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bars ready to shape out of the box?
Yes, they arrive protected and dimensionally consistent, though some pieces may need light straightening or cleaning of rust-proof oil before finishing.

Will these harden like other blade steels?
Feedback is mixed on hardness and etching; treat as a carbon alloy that may require tuning of heat treat cycles and testing for desired hardness.

How many knives can I make from one pack?
Depends on blade size and waste, but the eight 12in bars are suitable for several small to medium blades or practice blanks for learning and production trials.