antique silver handles

Michael J. Spangler · Nov 18, 2003

i have an old carving set with antique silver handles, like the ones you commonl see on old carving sets or serving utensils and such. I was told they were hollow and filled with some type of plaster. does anyone have any knowledge of such a thing? and maybe know how i could pull off the handles? thanks

indian george · Nov 18, 2003

You did have. Sorry, I melted them down.

Michael J. Spangler · Nov 18, 2003

thats ok i'll get you back don't you worry. i'll un plug your mini fridge and warm up the beers!!!

indian george · Nov 18, 2003

No problem it is still empty after the Hammer-In

Mike Hull · Nov 18, 2003

Originally posted by HammerFall
i have an old carving set with antique silver handles, like the ones you commonl see on old carving sets or serving utensils and such. I was told they were hollow and filled with some type of plaster. does anyone have any knowledge of such a thing? and maybe know how i could pull off the handles? thanks

Yes, they are generally hollow. The filling is called cutlers cement, I think. Bernard Levine would know for sure, his forum is just down from this one.

You can heat at 200-250 degrees F for 1/2-1 hour, you should be able to pull the blade from the handle then.

On a side note, some not too honest people use this method, and put the handles on new blades, then try to sell them as antique bowie knives.

Michael J. Spangler · Nov 18, 2003

awesome thanks i'll post on the other forums too. these are going to be matching letter openers in a ladder pattern damascus. one for the guy that game me the silver the other for me

mete · Nov 18, 2003

Check CKD forums for "how to make pitch",there are various recipies.

Wild Rose · Nov 18, 2003

Basic Cutler's Resin Recipe.

5 Parts Pitch
1 Part Beeswax
1 Part Filler (ash, sawdust, metal dust etc.)

There are several variations: adding pure carnuba, etc. This one was taken from and old 19th century book I used to have (sorry don't remember the title though).

You can get both Pitch and Beeswax at James Townsend and Sons www.jastown.com. The pitch is pure clean pine pitch sold as Brewer's pitch.

I use this mix almost exclusively on my frontier pieces and it works as good as epoxy. You must work quick though as it begins to cool and sets up almost immediately. The safest way to melt the mixture is in an old crockpot - it is VERY flammable when melted so keep away from open flame.