When it comes to buying steel for bladesmithing, toolmaking, or fabrication, surface finish matters — not just for aesthetics, but for performance, ease of use, and downstream processing.
At NJ Steel Baron, we offer a variety of steel finishes to meet different needs. Three of the most common are:
- Hot Rolled
- Wide Belt Ground
- Precision Ground
Let’s break down what each of these finishes means and when you might want to choose one over the others.
Hot Rolled Steel: Rugged and Cost-Effective
Hot Rolled steel is produced by rolling the steel at high temperatures — typically over 1700°F — which makes it easier to form and shape.
Key Features:
- Dark mill scale finish (oxidized layer from high-temp rolling)
- Thicker tolerances (less dimensionally precise)
- More affordable
- Ideal for forging, heavy grinding, or stock removal
Best for:
- Blacksmiths or knifemakers who will be forging their blades and removing scale anyway.
- Projects where tight dimensional accuracy is not required.
- Budget-conscious builds where finish isn’t a priority.
Keep in Mind:
The mill scale surface will need to be removed before finishing — typically by grinding, acid etching, or sandblasting.
Wide Belt Ground Steel: Smooth and Ready to Work
Wide Belt Ground steel takes things a step further. After hot rolling, the steel is processed through a wide abrasive belt to remove the mill scale and give it a flatter, more uniform surface.
Key Features:
- Clean surface with mill scale removed
- Flatter than hot rolled, but not as precise as PG
- Saves you time in prepping for stock removal or layout
- Great value for money
Best for:
- Knifemakers using the stock removal method
- Those who want a clean surface to scribe, layout, or machine
- Anyone looking for a middle ground between hot rolled and PG steel
Finish Quality:
Not mirror-smooth, but much better than hot rolled. Slight surface marks may be present from the abrasive belt.
Precision Ground Steel: Flat, Accurate, and Ready to Go
Precision Ground (PG) steel is the highest-quality surface finish we offer. It’s ground to tight thickness and flatness tolerances using high-precision machinery, leaving an extremely smooth, clean surface.
Key Features:
- Tightly controlled thickness
- Extremely flat and smooth
- Ready for precision machining or immediate use
- More expensive, but worth it for the accuracy
Best for:
- Makers who require precision and consistency
- Folder makers or toolmakers who need exact dimensions
- Customers who want a “ready-to-use” surface with minimal prep
Quick Comparison Chart
| Finish Type | Surface | Flatness | Tolerance | Prep Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Rolled | Rough, scaly | Lowest | Loose | High | ? Most Affordable |
| Wide Belt Ground | Smooth, clean | Moderate | Medium | Low | ?? Mid-range |
| Precision Ground | Smoothest, polished | Highest | Tightest | Minimal | ??? Highest |
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Forging your steel? ? Go with Hot Rolled
- Doing stock removal and want to save grinding time? ? Choose Wide Belt Ground
- Need a flat, precise surface for folders or machining? ? Use Precision Ground
Each finish has its place depending on the project, your tools, and how much time you want to spend on prep.
Browse Our Steel Finishes
At NJ Steel Baron, we stock popular steels like 80CrV2, 52100, AEB-L, M390, and more — available in multiple finish types and thicknesses to match your needs.
Still unsure which finish is right for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re always happy to help you find the right steel for your next project.
Forge with purpose. Finish with precision.
— The NJ Steel Baron Team