JB Weld or Silver Solder for a stick tang guard

synthesist

synthesist

So many knives so little time
Joined
Sep 14, 2004
Messages
933
I'm conflicted. I've got a dandy little wharncliffe blade that I'm making a into a desk knife for a friend. It's back from heat-treating and I'm making a brass guard which will look good with the cocobolo handle she picked out and the color of stain she chose for the sheath.

I was looking at the guard today and thinking that soldering it on would be a pain, but they always look so good when done well. Then I got to thinking how many people in here seem to be fans of JB Weld. So I thought I'd ask. If time and equipment aren't an issue why would I go with the glue over the solder? I have everything on hand to do it either way.

Talk amongst yourselves.

Thanks

Syn
 
Depends on how.and how well one solders. If you get complete flow through the
joint,you'll have an exceptionally strong and moisture proof bond that would last
several lifetimes.

If the solder job is only a bead of solder around the guard/ricasso seam,you may have
a seal, but little strength. If you use acid flux, there is the potential to trap some between
the tang and guard.....only to eat it's way out months or years later and leave
irreparable pits on the ricasso.

JB weld will provide a good seal,is easier to do,and poses little hassle and none of the
risks of soldering. Whether it will still be a good seal 20-30-40 or more years from
now is unknown.

I use through soldering,and the JB weld methods,depending on the materials.
 
Russ, is the through soldering method done from the tang side and allowed to flow up to the blade?


-X
 
fast14...
I tin my parts before assembly, wipe off the excess solder while still liquid,
then, when cool, clean off all the acid flux residue with water.

I assemble under heat,and use a rosin flux to guide the flow of the solder.

use a small flame. heat very gradually, and keep the flame from the flux as
much as possible. Charred flux will inhibit flow.
 
Thank you for the sensible alternatives. I solder great but don't enjoy doing it much so I think J B Weld gets the nod this time. If it was a knife that was going anywhere beyond her desk I'd probably suck it up and solder it.

Syn
 
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