I just got this on KnifeList.
Lynn
>From some previous writings.
A silver brazed joint, when properly done is usually stronger than the two
materials being joined. See page 63 "The Wonder of Knifemaking" and BLADE
magazine Q&A March and April 2001.
The theoretical strength of soldering and brazing alloys depend on the
specific alloy content. Generally speaking the higher the strength the
higher the temperature is that it takes to make a joint. Common lead/tin
solder has a strength of not more than 6,000 psi. Lead free silver solder
has a strength of approximately 15,000 psi. Silver brazing alloys have a
strength of from 50,000 to 60,000 psi. Some brazing alloys have a strength
of up to 80,000 psi but the temperature required to make the joint causes
grain enlargement in the steel and that's not good. I believe the strength
numbers are the strength of the material and not the joint itself. Silver
brazing is sometimes called silver soldering but this is not correct. The
difference is the temperature range, soldering is a process that takes place
at under 900F, brazing is a higher temperature operation in the range of
1100- 1450F.
A good silver brazing alloy is All-State 100 or equivalent silver brazing
rod with All-State 110 or S-200 Flux.
Wayne Goddard
wgoddard44@earthlink.net