Best solder to use?

Bühlmann

Bühlmann

North Lake Forge
Joined
Jan 6, 2022
Messages
475
I’m getting ready for my first hidden tang builds. What type of solder is best for guards & bolsters?
 
Last edited:
I guess I should clarify my question. What blend/mix of soldering alloy gives the best results for knifemaking? 4% Ag?
 
Staybrite is 4% silver bearing solder in tin, and is lead free. It has been the "standard" for many years. It is "low-temp" (~430F flow temp) compared to high percentage silver solders.
Another option is TIX solder and flux. It contains some lead though doesn't tarnish. 275F melting temp.

A note: soldering can be as persnickety as welding. Practice on scrap first. Note things like flux colors and when it burns. Too hot! Before it burns it gives off acidic fumes that'll etch a mirror polish blade lightly. Another issue is heat travel. Use heat sinks and solder heat paste.
 
Thank you. I have two rolls of lead-free silver solder wire already from years and/or projects past. One roll is a "Flo-Temp" silver bearing solid wire plumber's kit, and the other is 96% tin/4% silver solder with a flux core electrical repair kit. Are these acceptable, or do I need to get the Staybrite?

I also have a little tin of flux. Is solder flux generic, or is there a specific mix I need for that, too?
 
Bühlmann said:
Thank you. I have two rolls of lead-free silver solder wire already from years and/or projects past. One roll is a "Flo-Temp" silver bearing solid wire plumber's kit, and the other is 96% tin/4% silver solder with a flux core electrical repair kit. Are these acceptable, or do I need to get the Staybrite?

I also have a little tin of flux. Is solder flux generic, or is there a specific mix I need for that, too?
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YW. I don't know what all your plumbers solder will have.
My experience with flux is that many don't necessarily work well with other than their intended, but there is some crossover. One can only try.
That said, at least one knife supply carries a shorty amount of 1/16" StayBrite and Stay-Clean flux that doesn't break the bank to try. Since Stay-Brite is the usual suspect amongst knifemakers who'll touch solder, getting and using that small coil would at least allow any questions to reach people with direct experience.
My 2cents. Like a lot of my old school opinions, this one will likely meet some criticism, too.
Good luck with your soldering, Eric!
 
Thanks Mike. I have no problem with getting some StayBrite if it's the generally recognized and accepted product to use. Just trying to figure it all out, as this is new territory for me. That TIX stuff looks like it might be just the ticket!
 
TIX is nice and easy to use, and their companion flux works great with knife steels, including SS. I like it because it is tiny and you can cut little bits and place it along a guard or whatever, as they do in jewelry, and then melt. Small bits help avoid solder all over the place.
Good luck with it! My best advice : patience. heat slowly, don't overshoot.
 
Staybright/Stayclean works very well. It's probably the best combination for the money.
Tix is expensive, but it works very well. The low heat requirement is great in certain situations.
 
I use TIX. Its low heat makes it easy to use, but that can be an issue if you have to do a lot of grinding afterwards .. as the solder joint may heat up enough to unsolder it.
Staybrite also works well and has a higher temp.
 
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