Stainless for blosters - 303 or 416?

M

Mark Basford

Joined
Nov 8, 2005
Messages
103
Hi guys,

I need to stock back up on stainless for fixed blade bolsters and need some advice.

I've used 416 in the past, but it doesn't come in the thickness (5/16") that I need (not from my local supplier anyway). Can I go with 303 or should I just pay the extra for 3/8" 416 and deal with a little extra grinding?

The timing of this commission won't allow for me to mail order, so I need a local source (texas knife supply is who I use).

My main concern is pin visibility. If they act the same in that regard, I'll go with 303, but If 416 is better I'll go with it...

thanks,
 
Most use 416. The 300 series is 'gummy' as the machinists would describe it and not the easiest to work with. 303 is a free machining grade which is an improvement.416 is a free machining grade of 410 and easier to work than 303. So most use 416. On both sometimes with a mirror polish the sulfides will pull out leaving tiny pits. The other option is nickel silver which is getting harder to find and is expensive.
 
I found 304 for guards. 12mm thick bars exactly for sloted guards. I guess it is gummy as 303 :( Didn't work on it yet. Hope it drills on a slow speed.
 
thanks guys. it looks like 416 may be the way to go..

although i'm tempted to get a piece of 303 just to feel the working difference on the grinder and under the file.

thanks for the help as always
 
What I like about the 304 is that it's a "True stainless" steel, meaning that it will not rust or tarnish, and it is non-magnetic! Also, 316L welding rod from the local welding supply makes great pin stock that will peen and blend easily. :thumbup:
 
Yeah, what Brent said.

303, 304, 316 have very good red rust resistance. 400 series - not so great. Though it may be moot for many people.

I have never found any of it to be too bad to machine, especially 303. Just don't try and do it all in one pass, feed hard enough to avoid work hardening, and leave yourself some finishing stock allowance.
 
Experimention makes life more interesting - I'm definately getting a piece of each to do a side by side comparison.

Since the commission is for a pair of hunters (two brothers) it's perfect.

I'll report back after the bolsters are on and post photos to see if there is a visable difference.
 
Well there was no 416 in the size that I needed, so I went with 303 on both knives.

there was more heat generated that I remember with 416, so I had to pause a few more times during the intial rough forming stage, but it wasn't too bad. I used new belts and drill bits, so there was no issue with gummy-ness... but I didn't use a mill as no slots were needed on this project.

On the positive side, the pin and bolster match was MUCH better than the 416 that I'd used in the past. For that reason alone, I'll be using 303 for pinned bolsters from now on unless I plan on adding engraving.

here's a photo:
b198912038.jpg
 
JIM --- Doing well Mr. Jim, I hope all is well with you & yours.

MARK --- If the pins can be located in the background (depending on the drawn pattern, they won't be seen as background will be stippled & black. Incidentlt ---- fine looking knife you've fashioned there ! Congrats ..............
 
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