Copper inlay/engraving on steel blade.

K

Kass

Joined
Sep 17, 2019
Messages
1
So, first of all, i'm a total newbie.

I recently discovered what Wire inlay is. I've seen a lot of videos of blacksmiths inlaying brass, silver or even gold on knife handle.

But i was wondering,

Why is it that i cannot find any video, any thread on any forum, any pictures on google picture, of copper inlay on steel blade ?
Like, i'd find it so beautiful. Copper is gorgeous, copper inlay is even better, so why can't i find any picture of copper inlayed in a steel blade ?

Is copper and steel not a good match ?
Is inlaying in a blade that much of a bad idea ?

(of course i know you need a good thickness to inlay, but, i mean, Swords blades, axe blades are thick enough to be inlayed, or not ?)

I'm lost, i mean, even google pictures failed me !
 
I've inlaid blades a time or two. You just have to do it pre heat treat, and be careful of your temp during HT. Copper melts at just under 2000 degrees, so ~1550 for quench is no big deal. Just be careful if you're using a forge or torch as your heat source.
 
Inlaying metal is an engraver's technique. Maybe some blacksmiths do it, but that seems odd.
Inlaying wire requires that a line be cut in the metal. The line should be the same depth at all points. The line is then undercut with sharp gravers, so that the bottom is wider than the top. Annealed soft wire is then placed into the cut line, and gently hammered into place, then the inlay is spread with punches to secure it into the undercut. All this must be done to annealed steel, BTW.
Then a wide, flat graver is used to remove any inlay material above the steel. Then the entire area is polished and finished.
While copper can be easily inlayed this way, it seems that such a common metal that tarnishes so easily is not a good choice for all the work involved. Precious metals like various colored golds, platinum, and even silver are the preferred metals for inlay.
Rose gold looks similar to copper and maintains it's luster, while copper tarnishes to an ugly brown.
 
I don't think the question was about inlaying in general - the OP had found info on gold 'n silver inlays. I think is question was specific about "copper inlays". I think Bill answered the question about "why not copper" pretty good.
Bill DeShivs said:
While copper can be easily inlayed this way, it seems that such a common metal that tarnishes so easily is not a good choice for all the work involved.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top