Brass / Copper as a Handle Material?

B

bmstrong

Joined
Oct 8, 2002
Messages
124
Just a thought.

Question:

At the risk of sound dumb: Why can't you use Brass / Copper as a Handle Material?

I'm sure it'll be slippery / heavy.

But, man, it should look real nice...


Brian
 
Copper corrodes readily, and it would quickly turn ugly and crumbly. It is also pretty soft and not well suited to structural usage. Fairly expensive, too.

Brass is much better for this application, and is actually used for the bolsters and frames of many traditionally styled knives such as the Buck 110.

I think Queen makes a whole series of knives that feature all-brass handles.
 
You can use other copper alloys like silicon bronze which has nice color and good corrosion resistance.
 
Benchmade has used Brass in thier 710-01 to very good effect.

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Originally posted by Patryn
Benchmade has used Brass in thier 710-01 to very good effect.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's all kinds of cool.

Makes me wish they would do that more often.

I really like it when manufacturers apply traditional materials to modern designs.
 
Both Brass and Copper carry an odor with usage. However, if you're the type that cleans their knife regularly, you'll be ok.

You can also "force" a patina onto either brass or copper. Turns our really nice and prevents it from tarnishing further. A little wax buffed onto the piece every once in a while will keep it coated, clean and pleasant.

Check out the Himalayan Imports forum. Every once in a while Bill will sell khukuris with all aluminum, brass, or even "mystery" steel handles. Some like 'em, some don't.

One thing to keep in mind, it'll be cold in your hand most of the time.
 
I've got a Phil Hartsfield with a resin filled copper handle and haven't noticed any problems other than it does show up sheath scuffs.
 
Somehow the phrase "colder than a witches tit in a brass brassiere" keeps coming to mind...;) :D
 
Mongo, keep your mind on knives. Terzuola makes fine folders some with bronze bolsters and handles of wood like cocobolo or mastodon ivory, they look VERY nice.
 
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