416 SS vs. Nickel Silver hardware

M

Matlock

Joined
Jun 26, 2002
Messages
125
what are your likes and dislikes about these two metals that would make you pick one over the other for guards, bolster, etc? Is one harder to work than the other? Ease of polish?

Matt
 
I prefer 416, as it does not tarnish. Scratching is not as much a problem either.
I don't find it harder to work. :)
 
The nickel silver (sold as 18% silver) I have been using polishes to a mirror finish rather easily. It also scrathes very easily. I'll probably try the 416 later but I do like the n/s.

Roger
 
Nickle silver is softer and polishes easily. 416 stainless steel works a little harder but is more durable. I find customers prefer stainless fittings in most applications. Nickle silver does have a nice warm glow.
 
For those soldering guards, nickel silver being soldered to a carbon steel blade is almost too easy. Not so easy soldering the 416SS to a stainless blade.
 
Right you are, Danbo!

I like both but nickel silver does have the ability to take a nice forced patina while 416 cannot. I don't have any experience with engraving but I would assume it to be much easier on 416 than on N/S.

They both have thier advantages.
 
I have used both but have gone back to NS because it just looks better with the old classic style and time period of the knives I make. I also believe it makes a well made knife more valuable.

Nickel silver goes so good with natural handle materials.
 
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