Stuff like this has been going on for some time now. Several years ago I spotted an ad in a knife magazine, selling steel they claimed was 52100 flat bar. Red flag #1..... 52100 is NOT produced in flat bar....unless someone has purchased round stock, then re-rolled, or forged it flat, OR had it produced in sheet/flats as Aldo does. I called them and they swore up and down that it was 52100...... so I took a chance and ordered ONE 3ft piece. By the time shipping was done, it was about $23 total.
It came, and as soon as I started forging on it....it felt very "mushy" under the hammer compared to what I knew was 52100. I again called them, told them my thoughts, and added that I was going to have it analyzed, because I simply didn't believe it was 52100. Long story short, about two weeks later the report came back...... O1 steel. More so now, than at anytime during my 30+ year Bladesmithing career, it is BUYER BEWARE! If I do not personally know the outfit/people I am buying steel from.....I don't buy. If I don't fully trust them without reservation..... I don't buy. As of right now, there are only 3 places that I will purchase steel.....and that because each has gained my trust over time.