Slipjoint material questions

O

onebagnomad

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Sep 8, 2009
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Now that I've got some hideous fixed blades under my belt I've got the desire to make a (undoubtedly hideous) slipjoint. I love carbon steel and the character it develops over time. I also love the look of seamless springs/liners/bolsters. My concern is that if I use carbon steel for the blade and spring and something like 410ss for liners and bolsters, eventually I'll end up with clearly different degrees of patina between the spring and liners. Is this a non-issue? If I want a lasting seamless effect will I have to make a concession on the carbon steel? Is there a solution I'm missing? Realistically, it's a moot point because this level of F&F is probably way above my skill level but I like to set the bar high and fall hard. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
For many, many years, Case and numerous others have used high carbon steel with brass liners and nickel silver bolsters. Many slipjoint makers today use both high carbon and stainless for the blade and something like 410 for liners and 410 or 416 stainless for the bolsters.

The look of a "seamless" transition between spring, liners, and bolsters is more about designing the "workings" of the knife than about the different materials.

The only way to get the so-called "seamless" effect (I think you are talking about) is to use the same materials for the blade, liners, and bolsters (whether it be high carbon or stainless).

Be sure to let us have a look at your first, and good luck.

Robert
 
Some makers will etch their carbon steel blades and blue or etch their carbon slipjoint springs -- looks good and it cuts out most of the "oh my god my knife has this discoloration, what must I do?!" whining from customers.
 
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