2x72 Belts, Where To Find?

I just tried to order 40 belts from these guys.... 36 grit VSMs are almost $11pc(not complaining) and they tried to charge me $400 shipping for a 10kg box. THAT IS INSANE.... 10x more expensive than Canada Post and 4x more expensive than United Pirate Service. Unless they are deliberately trying to shake me off, I don't get it.

I replied, asking if they misplaced the decimal point or something.... nothing back, yet.

 

The price on VSM went up the last time I ordered as well, from about $8 per belt (60 grit) to over $11. My supplier in Calgary said it was due to new environmental rules in the EU, I don't know if that's true but it was a significant hike. I do like the belts but they are getting pricey. Has anyone used Combat Abrasive belts? any experience with shipping, duty etc?

I'm always concerned with shipping stuff up from the states as you never seem to know exactly what it will cost. Given your experience with CJD it may be better to deal with a US supplier and roll the dice with Canada Customs.

 

The jury is still out on CJD... they have not responded.... I hope it is an entry error. $11 for a 36gt ceramic is not bad at all.... if the shipping is realistic.

I sent RFQs out to Bimetal out West and VSM Canada direct.... we'll see.

 

I ran into stupid shipping and markup from an industrial supplier who had sole rights to sell in Canada on a piece of electronic gear. American manufacturer and two retail places refused to send too Canada so I was stuck with a 400% mark-up over retail and a $200 shipping ($50) and handling charge ($150).
Next time I will plan ahead and buy a knockoff from China just need four month lead time.

 

Got a much better price and friendlier service from Bimetal in AB. Then contacted VSM Canada directly and they gave me a contact in Halifax, 1 hr from me. A bit more expensive but without shipping, I may go with them. Works out to almost the same price.

 

I’m still buying my VSM belts from Tru-grit. With exchange 36 grits come out to $8 and the 50s and 120s I buy are less than that. Shipping is fairly expensive but not terrible if I you are buying enough belts to make it worth it. My last order was about $350 and cost me $32 in duty/brokerage. In the end it was a hair cheaper than a Canadian supplier, but I don’t just order belts. The fact that I can also get my respirator filters, handle materials, liner material, cases for kitchen knives, pin stock, buffing compound, and all sorts of other things, saves me a second shipping charge I would have to pay if I bought those things somewhere else.

 

Was at Bi-Metal in Edmonton yesterday, buying a 2nd bottle of Dykem layout fluid, they are on sale for $21 until the end of this month. I bought one last week and somehow I lost it, I think my garage must have eaten/drank it. Anyway they now sell finishing belts in single units instead of having to buy them by the box. I paid $24.67 for one.

 

Love your new logo!

 

Hey guys, I'm not sure if you are aware or not, but we recently added the VSM ceramics to our offering at some pretty competitive pricing. We have also changed our shipping to discounted live rates so you get to choose how you want your stuff shipped and at what price. Here is the link to our knifemakers page where you can find the VSM ceramics: https://onlinesupply.ca/Current-Specials/Knife-Making let us know if we can help!

 

Just got 2 fine Klingspor blue scotchbrite belts from Skookum. I was in a rush and paid for 1 day shipping, and that’s exactly the service that I got. Very happy with the belts. You know a lot of guys have said that they’ve done a blue scotchbrite finish on their knives, and I was skeptical, not anymore!

Here is my thought on this. High end kitchen knives require a high finish, hunting knives, bowies, etc. by all means finish them to the highest standard. But a Camp chopper, a machete, a parang...any of the dedicated ‘hard use knives,’ I doubt I will ever want to go any further than 80 through to 220g and finish up with one of these belts. I found the finish totally acceptable.

Skeptic no more!

 

Conditioning belts are awesome. I have learned that they can get contaminated by other grit floating around the grinder. I keep my conditioning belts in another (cleaner) part of the shop when not being used.

 

I was going to post the same about leather belts about keeping clean. Will do up a separate post a little latter on leather belts