EvenHeat's TAP controller is the best controller I've seen on the market for heat treating. If you contact them they will sell you a controller directly .
USAknifemaker.com has been working on this kit for the past couple months and we have now officially listed on our site. Tracy (Boss Dog) has spent a lot of time putting this one together. This kit has everything you need to make the knife, as well as a detailed instructional manual in the...
Their AEB-L is hot rolled, but to your point it is pretty clean. I don't think it would be necessary. Especially as you stated on flat grinds. I would consider it however on their CPM alloys.
Its worth considering for the CPM grades they offer. It will save some time and belts getting through rough outer layer. Keep in mind it is not precision ground. Usually when belt ground it will be .010" thicker than the fractional width it is sold at. exp .125" will be roughly .135"-.140"