I have no problem with experimenting and testing various carbides and steels for gravers, but when I sit down to work I want to know that what I'm using is the absolute best I can get. All carbides are not created equal, nor are steels. For someone starting out I would strongly encourage you to buy gravers from someone who supplies tools to the hand engraving trade instead of trying to save a few dollars. Gravers last an incredibly long time...in fact I have several that first started with 30+ years ago, so you have to ask yourself how much you're really saving. After you've gotten your necessary gravers then by all have fun experimenting with steel and carbide blanks from other sources. Just my 2-cents. YMMV.