Bolster / guard material

blgoode

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
7,147
I have been buying my metal (0-1) from McMaster Carr.

What type of nickel are the common bolster / guards made of?

Also would nickel work okay with 0-1?
 
Yep. It certainly would, in my book. What I use is generally known as nickle silver. I don't think the NS actually has real silver, though. I have used .99.99 silver on knives, too.
 
take a look at what there options are......
 
Just and educated shot in the dark while blindfolded, I'd say the cheapest one, number2 or 3? I just buy the bar and pin stock from the regular knife supply houses. You are shopping where you can include the NS in with your steel order, which makes good sense. Shipping fees are killing us.
 
That attachment does not show nickel silver. It lists specialty steels.

If you want nickel silver, just contact a knifemakers supply house.
Make sure to get the matching NS rod from the same supplier so it will match in color.

You can use 4140, or 1018 for guards, but using them for bolster material presents the problem of getting pin stock that will match, or even finding pin stock in that material at all.
416 stainless steel is very good for guards and bolsters. Again, get the matching pin stock from the same knifemakers supply house.
 
Mike made a point that should be repeated. The pins are always a pain to match unless you get the matching stock. If you don't you will most likely do one of the following.

1. Make some kind of blind attachment

2.Use a non matching pin and kick yourself every time you see it... or

3.Make a pin from a sliver of the material using an electric drill and sandpaper . :barf:
 
My $.02 is (basically what is already posted):

If you want shiny use 416.
If you want blued 1018.


If you peen you'll have to get matching pin material. 1018 (mild steel) pins and stock are available at the hardware store. But like stated you better run a test and make sure they will blend and match.

Steve
 
The alloys shown are all specialty nickel alloys which you really don't want. You need nickel silver (cu-Zn-Ni alloy). Or you could use 416 stainless steel. Both are available from knife makers supply such as Texas Knife etc. Both are easy to handle , pick the one that has the color you want.
 
thanks guys......Now I need to figure out the best way to file them :p
 
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