integral bolsters

[leifjl]

i just finished putting a lot of time into making a slip joint folder with integral 416 ss bolsters and before i actually did a final assembly i started thinking on how easy 416 is to machine which in turn made me start to wonder if perhaps it was too soft and would warp the liner when i went to pin the scales. i was very careful and everything stayed true but i was wondering if i should have hardened the 416 first. does anyone know if thats common practice or if its unnecessary worrying on my part? thanks, leif

 

[Don Hanson III]

Pocket knives have been made with brass liners and nickel silver bolster for well over 100 years. I think your 416 is plenty hard as is.

Never heard of anyone heat treating it for liners/bolsters.

 

[ken erickson]

I regularly use 410 or 416 , making integral frame/bolsters without heat treat.

Mike Alsdorf does heat treat his frames. I messaged Mike about this a while back. The prime reason for heat treat is to achieve a better polish with more scratch resistance according to Mike.

 

[leifjl]

point well taken about the brass and nickel silver. thank you both gentlemen. leif