Is copper too soft for bolsters?

[Wissler]

Is copper too soft for bolsters? I have access to 1x1.5" copper bars and 1/2" thick slabs at work and was wondering if its too soft.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

No, but it's not as hard as brass.
Are you talking about folder bolsters?

 

[DeadFall27]

Bolsters for what exactly? Folders? Full tang? Hidden tang?

Very amateur here, so please take what I have to say with a grain of salt. I found it too soft for the pommel of a puukko bolster I was fitting, the steel was mushrooming and deforming the hole in the copper when I was peening it, so it never fully got tight. Maybe I hit it too hard, maybe the steel wasn't soft enough.

I do know, however, it scratches pretty easily.

 

[Hengelo_77]

This is copper. It is harder then wood so it has purpose.
It does patina a lot more then bronce or brass.

 

[Wissler]

I have some full tang and hidden tang in the works. No folders.

 

[Carterwhopkins]

I have used copper many times with no issues. As mentioned above, it will patina, unless coated with a lacquer or other coating. It will also work harden, so be aware of that...could be a good or bad thing depending....