Copper for bolsters

V

Von Gruff

Joined
Nov 24, 2014
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115
To date I have used brass, knickle silver and buff horn for the bolsters on some of my knives but I got onto some bars of 2 x 1/4 inch copper and thought to use it for the bolsters with hidden pins and .175 copper pins in the burl red gum handles. This is a gift knife for a friend in Australia.
I have seen it posted that copper needs sealed but I dont remember what was used but I will be using thinned spar varnish to seal the wood so was wondering if it would also be suitable for the copper.

Thanks in advance

Von Gruff
 
There's a thread about this on the second or third page. I use copper quite a bit, there's really nothing you will be able to do to protect it for any amount of time if it will be used. Anything you coat it with will scratch and chip and the copper will oxidize in those places making it look worse than if you had left it alone. Most people are after the patina look anyway, I just leave it alone and let it do what it wants. There are ways to force patina on copper if you would like to have that look right away.
 
With copper the patina will grow on you. When you want it nice and shiny again Flitz or Simichrome will make it shine again and give some protection for a bit.
 
The knife s for a friend in Australia so once done and sent off I will not see it again, but I will pass on the advice when I send it to him. Thanks for the answers

Von Gruff
 
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