Advice for sealers/finishes

[john1363]

I recently began fitting bolsters and handles to production blades. I am looking for ways to keep brass from tarnishing and products to use to make the handle material very durable. I am using stabilized wood and I tried paste wax on the wood and bolster but it began to tarnish after a couple weeks. I was wondering about spar finishes etc.......

Thanks,
john1363

 

[Mike Hull]

They make a spray to stop brass tarnishing, but it's just clear lacquer. That will wear off if the knife is used. Not much else to be done to keep it from tarnishing besides that, unless you want to gold plate the brass.

 

[godogs57]

I have always heard that Olive oil rubbed on brass will keep it from tarnishing, or at least delay it. May be an old wive's tale though.

Good luck!

 

[Rob!]

I am looking for ways to keep brass from tarnishing

I use renissance wax to protect brass in the short term or during storage but it won't last long through use. There are some products that change with age and brass is one of the. It isn't necessarily a bad thing. Leather develops a beautiful patina over time. An old saddle (or knife sheath) will look very different from the day it was made and knowledgeable users treasure every little scuff and color shift. Cocobolo wood sands down almost orange - and then deepens with exposure to UV light to a wonderful rich color. An old tool steel kitchen knife will show the tarnish from cutting lemons and other acidic foods. That just shows that its tool steel and the marks are those of an old friend. A light tarnish on brass is much the same. A knowledgable, educated customer will treasure it.

Some uses call for stainless blades, stainless hardware, handles that are resistant to thermonuclear attack and Kydex (or titanium) sheaths. I make those knives - but I must say my personal preference is for the traditional look.

I guess I'm saying that part of your solution may not be in production - but in marketing.

 

[john1363]

Thanks Rob. You sure did put things in perspective.
john1363