Tell Me About Steel Liners and Bolsters?

M

MarkPinTx

Joined
Aug 21, 2003
Messages
801
I have been seeing talk of steel liners and bolsters on some of the GECs. What are they using? I remember the Schatt heritage line had steel liners and Norway iron bolsters. I am of course familiar with the milled stainless liners on customs. I guess I am curious about strength, corrosion, and historical accuracy. I have an ulster scout with steel interior liners but brass under the scales and of course nickel silver swinden keys.
 
They're certainly stronger than brass (which can flex) Corrosion does need watching as with any carbon article, used a lot in c19th particularly on rugged work knives. I prefer NS liners to brass or iron, brass can get verdigris (green bleed) and has a smell I dislike.
 
I love the all steel knives from GEC as these make up my EDC rotation (#15,#68, #85, #92). They just feel like solid knives and I love how they age. They must use a milder steel for the liners/bolsters as they seem more resistant to staining and rust. This provides for some very nice contrast as the patina sets in.
 
I have a 73 with stainless liners and bolsters.

In my antique catalogs, iron liners and bolsters are quite common, they represent the budget line. The fancier knives had brass liners and NS bolsters.
 
thanks all. I really like the idea of stainless as on some bucks. I think my hands are too sweaty to like a carbon liner or bolsters.
 
I'm really happy to see steel furniture on so many production knives. I prefer it, for a rugged work knife that may see some rigorous (ab)use at my hand.
 
I like/love the 316SS liners and bolsters on my three AG Russell knives: theCurved Regular Jack, the wharnecliffe Sowbelly, and the medium Barlow. I throw them in along with my change and keys and everything else that finds its way into my pocket. Nary a scratch and look almost as good as new on the outside and definitely shiny and polished on the inside. The springs on the interior are still mirror polished. I'm still very impressed with AG's knives overall!
 
Thought I would mention that Canal Street just started using full stainless throughout the entire knife: blades, springs, liners, bolsters. :thumbup: I know there is a Moon Pie trapper out with this construction, and probably more to come.
 
nphelps4130 said:
Thought I would mention that Canal Street just started using full stainless throughout the entire knife: blades, springs, liners, bolsters. :thumbup: I know there is a Moon Pie trapper out with this construction, and probably more to come.
Click to expand...

I've been intrigued by Canal Street knives, especially their single blade slim line trapper. That sounds like a knife I could fall instantly in love with. Is this the model I'm thinking about?
 
The first all-stainless offering is the Moon Pie, which is the full size 2-blade trapper. The Half Moon is the one you are thinking of. I would think we will see an all-stainless version of the Half Moon someday, because I think Canal Street is quite interested in doing more in all-stainless, but I can't say for sure.

Perhaps our Canal Street insider (Hi Eric :)) will chime in. I visited the factory last fall, and heard some info about the upcoming stainless bolsters/liners which are now coming to fruition.
 
This is why I like the all steel knives

dadsknives009_zps9d22e94b.jpg


dadsknives010_zpsae9a9737.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top