Type 416SS. You can use it as-is, or heat treat it, which ups the stainless qualities, somewhat. It is hard to find at times, but is usually available in 1" wide by 3/8" thick. Any of the suppliers have it, most of the time. I have ordered some from the New Jersey Steel Baron, not received yet and from Scott Devanna of SB Specialty Steels, not received yet. I like it 3/4" wide x 3/8", also 5/16 x 5/8" wide and 1/2" x 5/8" for longer guards. Both of those two above say that they can get it in those sizes.
New Jersey Steel Baron, LLC
295 Wagaraw Rd.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
Office: (973) 949-4140
Fax: (973) 689-9501
Email:
aldo@njsteelbaron.com
T. Scott Devanna
Vice President -Marketing & Prod Development
SB Specialty Metals
800 365 1168
scott.devanna@sbsm.com