Bronze

joe sangster

joe sangster

Joined
Jul 5, 2003
Messages
232
Why is bronze used so little in folders for backspacers & bolsters & for guards in fixed blades ?

Joe:confused:
 
I don't know, but I'm guessing it is because compared to brass, bronze is expensive and difficult to machine.
 
I use it for spacers and guards on fixed blades but the price is alot higher than SS or NS, So I dont use it that much. The last 1/8" bar I got cost me close to 100 for one 8 foot bar..
 
also it tends to develop a patina

so for collectors who want a knife to look brand new perpetually it's a bit of a turnoff.

even with proper care and cleaning, the look of it WILL change over time.
 
My Terzuola folder with cocobola and bronze bolster looks very nice.
 
Honestly I'd love to use more bronze but I never know exactly what to buy (silicon, aluminum, etc.). I like the reddish tinge but so many choices and the Internet isn't the most helpful when it comes to "what you see is what you get"....
 
I am switching over from brass to silicon bronze. I got mine from Atlas Metal Sales. So far I am really happy with the color. It isnt as in-exspensive as brass but it doesnt turn green either.
 
as long as you keep some wax on it the patina wont show up as quick. and I use Silicon Bronze it's what I was told to use and that is why I have no other reason lol.
MasonicKnife-1.jpg
 
I like aluminum bronze because it looks like gold. Unfortunately, it is a pain to machine, though grinding and polishing is easy. I get mine on ebay, and it's pretty cheap.

The knife on the home page of my website has an aluminum bronze guard.
 
Thanks for all the input ,fellows ! I think I am going to try some as backspacers on folders & see how it does.

Joe
 
I cast manganese bronze for a bright yellow, and "ancient bronze" (copper/tin) for historical reproduction stuff

-Page
 
Phillip Patton said:
I like aluminum bronze because it looks like gold. Unfortunately, it is a pain to machine, though grinding and polishing is easy. I get mine on ebay, and it's pretty cheap.

The knife on the home page of my website has an aluminum bronze guard.
Click to expand...


I have a 12' bar of 3/8" x 1" of aluminum bronze i was going to try, does it turn green like brass?
 
The last big bowie I did had a silicon bronze gaurd, I personaly love it, though it is a bit more dificult to work than brass, and has a little differant look.
 
I have never engraved bronze but would like to try cutting some. If any of you guys with scrap pieces would forward me some small pieces, I'll polish & engrave them & post pictures of the results. I'd need to know exactly what type of bronze is sent so please identify species please. I'll also mark pictures with ID info of bronze. I can be reached at 910-221-5288 EST, Ken

OR, PO box 5
Robersonville, N.C.
27871
 
Ken
Some of it is brittle. It cuts easily, but the chips will fly. You don't get much of a "curl", so make sure your eyes are protected. You can feel it squeak when cutting it! I think the silicone bronze is the one that does this.
 
Thanks for the info ---- OKAY, sil. bronze is out for testing. I'm looking for some samples that will cut well and not patina badly.

This thread has me thinking about an idea I had a while back --- I'd like to bounce it off you boys.
My thoughts were to make everything from a bronze that "WOULD" darker nicely. I would inlay 24ct. gold into it along with cutting banknote scroll. The background in the scroll would be relieved/removed and stippled leaving a Very dark background. The surface of the bronze would be brought to a high polish so as to acsent the detailed scroll work against the dark background. As the bronze aged, the background (which is darker/courser) and the surface would develop an equal patina except the surface would be lighter in color & shiny ---- this would all be bordered by the gold work that wouldn't age. I think the handle material should be stag between the guard/bolster and pummel. I'm thinking the blade should be a multi layered piece like I remember old Bill Moran sending to me -- about 500 layers. This would show up as a finely layered blade without overpowering the rest of the project --- I think it would compliment rather than overpower.
OKAY guys, opinions please ..................
 
Ken Hurst said:
This thread has me thinking about an idea I had a while back --- I'd like to bounce it off you boys.
My thoughts were to make everything from a bronze that "WOULD" darker nicely. I would inlay 24ct. gold into it along with cutting banknote scroll. The background in the scroll would be relieved/removed and stippled leaving a Very dark background. The surface of the bronze would be brought to a high polish so as to acsent the detailed scroll work against the dark background. As the bronze aged, the background (which is darker/courser) and the surface would develop an equal patina except the surface would be lighter in color & shiny ---- this would all be bordered by the gold work that wouldn't age. I think the handle material should be stag between the guard/bolster and pummel. I'm thinking the blade should be a multi layered piece like I remember old Bill Moran sending to me -- about 500 layers. This would show up as a finely layered blade without overpowering the rest of the project --- I think it would compliment rather than overpower.
OKAY guys, opinions please ..................
Click to expand...
IMO that would be a wonderful contrasting! What I would suggest is the piece of bronze have a patina applied (many choices but something darkening like on bronze casting / statues would look nice) after sanding and polishing. Most of these patinas are applied at low heat and shouldn't affect the inlay. I'd be interested in seeing a piece like that...maybe even making one :D
 
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