Copper handles?

Disco Stu

Disco Stu

Joined
Nov 9, 1999
Messages
1,137
Hey guys, little input here.

I was wondering what you would think of all-copper handles on a bali? Like I said, I've got a huge bar of copper in my shop and I thought that if I'm going to try to use it to make bolsters for these handles, why not go the whole nine yards and make them entirely copper?

Now, copper is about one and a half times as heavy as titanium and even a little heavier than steel so I would probably have to skeletonize them, right?

Copper happens to be one of the easiest metals to color so that's a plus. Hell, I've even got a silver paste for coating copper with a thin layer of silver.

Well, whatcha think?

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Disco Stu
A Finger Saved, is a Finger Earned
 
The first response people may have to copper is that it's to soft. But, copper can be hardened and become quite suitable for many applications.

I have already seen one balisong made entirely of copper. It was presented to me by a dealer who had bought it. I was really intrigued by such a thing? Why a copper blade? Copper blades are usually very old, predating iron technology. But this was clearly a modern balisong with machined handles and a ground-out blade. Once hardened, copper can make an adequate blade, but why when you can get modern steel? I did a little research, guided by symbols machined into the sides of the handles, and discovered that a knive made entirely of copper is used in certain satanic witchcraft activities. The knife doesn't have to be a balisong and is usually a conventional fixed-blade. But, it does have to be all copper. That was one of the very few times I've passed on a very unique, very intriguing, obviously custom balisong that was reasonably priced.

Anyway, I think copper could make fine balisong handles.

Brass is another good choice if you're looking for an easy material to work.



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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
Yeesh, I think I woulda passed on the satan-bali too. Though I bet it was slick looking.

I was thinking, what if I used my Filipino style sandwich liner and made the inserts and bolsters out of one long piece of copper? That might work pretty good.

I've nearly got one sandwich liner all shaped and squared, I'll post a picture if you like. I've learned quite a bit while doing it so I might throw it out and start over. I'm confident that I will do better next time.
 
Pics please
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Dave
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My collection
 
Alrighty, here be a couple of pics of the Aluminum liner that I started last night, next to the original Jag handle.

bali1.jpg


bali2.jpg


I think I'm gonna start over because I know I can avoid a couple o' mistakes this time around. Also, I'm gonna try using stainless steel.

[This message has been edited by Disco Stu (edited 10-19-2000).]
 
Hey, thats not half bad.
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Looks pretty good and uniform to me. Question: Where did you get the metal to create the U from?

Thanks

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Dave
head.gif


My collection
 
The liner is Aluminum from an old road sign. I cut off a piece and hammered it around a file that happened to be almost the exact same size as the interior of the Jag's handle.

I need to find something different than a file though because after hammering on it, the inside of the liner took on the file's grain. Rather than sand/file the inside of the liner, I'm gonna try useing a piece of scrap steel to make a 'mold' that I can bend the Aluminum around.

Also, it took a good deal of sanding on my belt sander to get it looking so good.
 
Wow, that looks pretty good. I think that looks way easier than milling your own handles, and you can still come up with great results and have infinite bolster and scale options. Nice job so far!

Steve
 
Want to see some pretty copper?

Check out our web site... http://www.sabona.com

Sabo 29

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"Catch you on the flip side"!

[This message has been edited by Sabo (edited 10-20-2000).]
 
>>Want to see some pretty copper?

Sabo, sense you got the machinery for working on metal, how much would you want to straighten out this last shipment I got from the Philippines. Would you consider to buff them out for me for $5 a knife or something like that. I keep wanting to work on them, but I would have to do most of it by hand, and I just can not seem to find the time. Working three jobs and going to school part time. I guess I could do it if I got some ruge and a buffing wheel for my grinder, but I am not set up for that right now. Thanks, JohnR7 www.balisongknife.com
 
Hey John,

Check your mail!

(But give me a minute)

Sabo 29

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"Catch you on the flip side"!
 
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