•Prices have been relatively stable over the past 30 days.
Market Context
Raw Material Market Prices
1.6%30d
Steel HRC
$1,093/short ton
$0.55/lb
Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) is the benchmark for raw steel prices.
About 15N20|A nickel-bearing steel (0.75% C, 2% Ni) used almost exclusively in pattern-welded (Damascus) knife blades. The nickel provides bright contrast against high-carbon layers when etched. Not a standard industrial grade. If you see it in a shop, someone is making Damascus billets. Compare to 1075 (similar carbon content, no nickel) and L6 tool steel (also nickel-bearing, used for similar laminate applications).
About Rectangular Bar|Solid rectangular cross-section stock. Functionally similar to flat bar but typically available in thicker, chunkier profiles. The naming varies by supplier — what one calls rectangular bar, another calls flat bar. Used for keys, gibs, wear strips, brackets, and any part where a rectangular starting profile saves setup time versus milling from plate.