Is this the correct solder?

melsdad · Sep 17, 2011

For soldering guards to blades? The first item at the top of the page. 63/37 Tin/Lead.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#general-purpose-solder/=e3lhqb

I am assuming this works only for joining similiar metals, and not say...O1 to brass? Or will it work for this also?

Charles Vestal · Sep 17, 2011

You will need some silver in the solder.

Here's what I use.

http://popsupply.bizhosting.com/silver_solder.html

SBuzek · Sep 17, 2011

I use the solder from Pop's also.
Stan

12345678910 · Sep 17, 2011

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/...ldering/Lead-Free-Solders/Stay-Brite-Kit.aspx

This one is popular too

canofcorn · Sep 17, 2011

the solder you want is 96% tin and 4% silver, stay bright solder is what most people know it by. You can buy the solder and flux in kit form from any jewelry supply(rio grand, grobet, etc.) and most knife supply stores(pops, usaknifemaker, jantz, etc.). You can buy it in 1lb bulk from mcmaster, which is a TON of solder. I am not certain which flux would be the equivalent flux(Stay Clean) from mcmaster though, im certain most any of their solder fluxes would work...some better than others.... If you want to buy more than the little kit that you can get just about anywhere, grobet sells the solder and flux separately in larger quantities, although they have a minimum order $ amount, which can be a problem if all you need is some solder.

Bill DeShivs · Sep 17, 2011

Tin/lead solder works fine for steel/brass. For soldering stainless, you need a small amount of silver in the solder. Stay Clean flux is the industry standard.

fast14riot · Sep 17, 2011

Not to hijack this thread, but I have a related question. I can get 2% Ag solder locally, would this work ok or should I order 4%?

-Xander

Bo T · Sep 18, 2011

fast14riot said:
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a related question. I can get 2% Ag solder locally, would this work ok or should I order 4%?

-Xander

Stay-Brite gives the shear strength of their solder as 14000 psi. with no lead and no cadmium. Being lead and cadmium free is important because they are somewhat toxic metals. Also, I think the 2% silver solder has a shear strength of @ 7,000 psi but I'm not sure. The flux is just a solution of zinc chloride. Probably near saturation. I think it is called Tinners flux or something like that. If you are good at soldering a half ounce of Stay-Brite and a half ounce of flux is enough for soldering the guards onto 10 -20 or more medium knives.

melsdad · Sep 19, 2011

Thanks for the replys everyone. I'm going to order the solder from Pop's when I am ready.