Copper v Brass

As others have stated, brass is a little stronger than copper. Perhaps the weight difference is because the handle stock of the copper knife is slightly thicker gauge than the brass? Both probably use a heavier gauge material than the steel handled knives.
 
Man, I would have to go with the copper. Yes, the brass is sturdier, but that copper is just so handsome. And the colors are going to be great, and the softness of copper will mean that the handle takes on more character faster.
 
I do like the way copper patinas, I don't have any knives with much brass on them other than their liners. I have seen some nicely patina'd brass and I just picked up one of the raw brass fisher space pens as sort of an experiment with something in brass.
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OK! Good points. 4 to 3, copper takes the lead in the second period.

Zieg
 
That's a tough call... if it were BRONZE and not brass, the former would get my vote. But having looked at those knives, I think the copper will look better on the Mercator. The copper patina will be super cool and mesmerizing all over that handle. I think the brass patina might just make it look dirty.
 
I'm a huge fan of aged brass, especially on whistles. But compasses and match holders look great too.

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Awesome pics, Buzz! OK, you and Traum make it 5 to 4 in copper's favor.

Zieg
 
Well, the horn tells us the game has ended and with no shots on goal in the third period, Copper edges out Brass 5 to 4. I'll be placing the order today and posting reactions and field reports when it arrives and as I use it.

Zieg
 
The Zieg said:
Well, the horn tells us the game has ended and with no shots on goal in the third period, Copper edges out Brass 5 to 4. I'll be placing the order today and posting reactions and field reports when it arrives and as I use it.

Zieg
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Excellent! I do not think you could have gone wrong with either choice. I am looking forward to seeing your thoughts on your pick once you get it in.
 
The brushed finish on the brass one does not take a very nice patina, at least not so far. The scratches show up more than on, say, the brass Higonokami, and give the knife a tired, shopworn look. The smooth finish of the Higo looks much better as it begins to take a patina.

I hope the appearance will improve as the handle darkens with use.
 
Henry Beige said:
The brushed finish on the brass one does not take a very nice patina, at least not so far. The scratches show up more than on, say, the brass Higonokami, and give the knife a tired, shopworn look. The smooth finish of the Higo looks much better as it begins to take a patina.

I hope the appearance will improve as the handle darkens with use.
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I wonder if you could polish out the brushed finish and perhaps that might let the patina occur more evenly/smoothly?
 
Henry Beige said:
The brushed finish on the brass one does not take a very nice patina, at least not so far. The scratches show up more than on, say, the brass Higonokami, and give the knife a tired, shopworn look. The smooth finish of the Higo looks much better as it begins to take a patina.

I hope the appearance will improve as the handle darkens with use.
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I'll be using the bonkers out of it, so it's going to look every kind of worn, I expect.

Zieg
 
What about a copper one and a brass higonokami?
Rather inexpensive.

I know, we are all enablers.
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Good choice, let us know how it works out!
 
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I thought Trauma. brought out an interesting question, maybe for another thread, idk. Does anyone know of bronze being used on any current knives, custom or production? I can't recall seeing any, but that means little, as my brain is a sieve lately. I would be interested to see or read about any.
Thanks, Neal
 
Pàdruig;16833681 said:
I wonder if you could polish out the brushed finish and perhaps that might let the patina occur more evenly/smoothly?
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I have wondered the same thing. All I know so far is that Simichrome is not abrasive enough. That's the only polish I have around.
 
A bronze option would have taken the decision from difficult to agonizing. And fie on you, Bill! I'm not doing it! Heh, yeah right.

Zieg
 
It would be nice to carry them on alternating days to "document for scientific research the affects of time and wear on patina in a social environment" or something like that.
Yea, that.
 
NJBillK said:
It would be nice to carry them on alternating days to "document for scientific research the affects of time and wear on patina in a social environment" or something like that.
Yea, that.
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Well, you're only going to get results from a very dry environment. It is the high plains, after all. We're at 90% humidity right now, but that's as we move in and out of snow conditions. It's usually around 5 to 20% here. So the patina will take longer than if I were back in Seattle or Charlotte.

Maybe we'll have to start a thread for copper.

Zieg
 
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