416, 303, or NiAg for folders?

[Brian.Evans]

Which of these are most appropriate and which is easiest to work for slipjoint pins and pivots?

 

[mete]

Nickel silver is a copper-zinc-nickel alloy --NO silver
416 is the free machining grade of 410 and 303 the free machining grade of 304.
416 seems to be the choice of most makers.

 

[lazlo]

The big advantage of 416 over 303 is that its magnetic.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Um, I'm going to show my newbness here, but why is magnetic desirable? Surface grinding/magnetic machine tables? I'm using a grinder, a bandsaw and files. Does it really matter then which stainless I go with?

 

[Brian.Evans]

Nickel silver is a copper-zinc-nickel alloy --NO silver.

I guess I realized that there wasn't any actual silver in it, over on the straight razor forum that's just how we shorten it so we don't have to type it out. Important distinction though, and I thank you for making it.

I have a bit before I have to decide, but I have read a lot of guys like 416 for their pins. It's not very much to try both, I suppose.

 

[lazlo]

why is magnetic desirable? Surface grinding/magnetic machine tables?

Surface grinding guards flat. See, for example, Nick's WIP threads.