Nickel Silver VS. Stainless Steel Bolsters

PocketEdge

PocketEdge

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Dec 23, 2008
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I would like to know what you guys think about nickle silver vs, stainles steel bolsters on slipjoints. I have allways enjoyed the look of nickle silver but I see most of the top makers of slipjoints use stainless steel. Besides the stainless being more durable and the fact that one can make integrated liners; what else might be considered in choosing one over another. I have never worked ss as bolster material. Does it polish as easily? Does anyone out there prefer nickle over stainless? I would like to know your views.
 
If you use N/S or brass liners , soldering on N/S or brass bolsters sure is a lot easier for me ! I have a hard time soldering steel . I guess that is why a lot of makers us the spot welder . I'm just starting out with the slipjoints so hopefully someone with more knowledge & experience will tell us more

Joe
 
N/S is a lot softer, as a rule, and thus easier to work. Downside is that it gets marred and scratched more easily.

Working includes polishing. While there's no doubt that either will take a beautiful polish, more effort and time are required to get the same results on stainless that can be had with less time and elbow grease (but not less care) on N/S.

Just my observations based on the very little work I've done with either, which is limited to repairing and refinishing a few martensitic stainless blades, polishing up some austenitic stainless peices of non - knife related material (basically 'cause I like to polish, and 'cause I could) and two sets of N/S bolsters for my most recent knives. Certainly not a lot of experience, but enough that I've been able to draw a few conclusions as to my own opinions.
 
Stainless won't tarnish, and has a bright look to it, nickle siver, which is basicly white brass, will tarnish and has a silver look to it. If I'm doing a stainless blade, I prefer stainless bolsters, if I'm doing a carbon steel or damascus blade I prefer nickle siver as it'll age with the blade. That's my general rule of thumb, and I do break it frequently. Though here lately I've been using a lot of bronze more than anything.
 
Will52100 said:
Stainless won't tarnish, and has a bright look to it, nickle siver, which is basicly white brass, will tarnish and has a silver look to it. If I'm doing a stainless blade, I prefer stainless bolsters, if I'm doing a carbon steel or damascus blade I prefer nickle siver as it'll age with the blade. That's my general rule of thumb, and I do break it frequently. Though here lately I've been using a lot of bronze more than anything.
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I agree, N/S with carbon blade and SS with SS blade. As has been said, Nickel does work easier, but can achieve a very high finish. Though is will scratch and mar quicker.

One thing I do like is using SS liners with N/S bolsters. The two colors give a nice subtle contrast, I think it adds just a little character.

Sean
 
416 SS works just as easily as N.S. It's available at most supply houses. Just about as expensive as N.S. I personally like it better than N.S., as has been said, doesn't mark as easy, and can be polished to a brilliant shine.

Dave
 
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