Can I solder 1084 to a brass end cap?

[Col Defender]

I've made a few like this with the blade going through a slot in the front cap and the whole thing epoxied. Works well, but the joint between the blade and front cap presents an unfinished look. If I could solder that joint it would look much better.

How can I do this without burning the bone/antler? Soldering iron or propane torch? Is the type of solder important? This will be a cosmetic fix - the knives I have done are already strong.

Thanks

Steve

 

[Travis Fry]

This is not a facetious answer: learn to make the joint flawless with a good press fit.

You can solder brass and 1084, but why would you want to? Cleaning up the front of your guard after soldering is pretty tedious and almost never looks great, and soldering performs no essential function that cannot be fulfilled by a perfect fit and JBWeld.

If you do decide to solder (some people like that kind of thing), you have to do it before you attach the handle. Use StayBrite silver solder and StayBrite flux, heat from the tang side and do it gently enough so you don't boil the flux off.

 

[elementfe]

There are some really good tutorials on fitting guards so that there's no gap. Start with anything by Wheeler.
Some of the best makers use JB Weld epoxy instead of solder.
If you do solder, it's done before the handle is in place.
Loveless in his video actually uses a hot air gun to solder- With Stay-brite, it happens at 430-535F.
Though I've done an awful lot of soldering, I don't consistently get good results with high carbon steel, so I don't try solder it anymore. Someday I'll figure out what it is...