Another slipjoint bolster material question

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Brian.Evans

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Aug 20, 2011
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Sorry for all the questions. Trying to put my birthday money to good use.

Nickel silver is too stinking expensive. Texas knife has liveable prices on 416 stainless plate and rod. However, I'd like to use a silver colored liner rather than brass, but I can't find 416 stainless sheet. Ideas and tips always appreciated.
 
Use 410 for the liners, 416 is basically 410 with sulfer added. You can use 410 or 416
for the bolsters too. Tin both parts, solder, and be careful of too much heat when
cleaning it up.
Ken.
 
How is Nickel silver expensive It costs about $5 per knife for liners and scales in nickle silver. 410 Stainless is not quite half that.
$3 vs $5 doesn't sound like, "too stinkin' expensive" to me.

A 5"X10" $36 sheet of 1/8" NS bolster stock should make 10 or 20 knives.
A 5"X10" $15 sheet of .025 NS liner material will make at least five knives.

If you want nickel, use nickel. If you want stainless, use stainless. Compromising on materials to save only a dollar or two is self defeating.
 
I myself still like the lubricity of brass or nickel and would use it if I could. I also don't
have a problem with soldering bolsters esp. out of brass or nickel, its way easier to
work with than ss.
Ken.
 
Dang it guys! Are you telling me that bolster material is like grinder belts; buy the right stuff the first time and don't chase your tail. I guess I will man up and buy nickel silver. It's really what I want anyway.

I was given some 304 stainless bar today and have a source for thin 304 sheet, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be so hard to work with that I won't do what I need to do to make the bolsters look good. Not to mention the pain of soldering it.

Stacy, while I have your attention, what were the blue roughing belts you use? You talked about them the other day, something like blue zirc maybe?
 
Yes, I prefer the Blue Zirconia belts for work up to 220 grit. They cut fast and clean.
 
The only thing that trugrit carries in a 2x42 is CS411 by Klingspor. Is that similar or totally different?
 
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