What do you make your guards out of?

D

dustbust_1

Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Messages
57
Im making a puukko style knife, well just making a hidden tang handle for a helle blade I ordered. What is typically used as a Ferrule/bolster? What type of metal. I dont want to use copper id like to use a steel.

Thanks
 
I have used all sorts of things... antler, ivory, brass, bronze and mild steel. Future guards will be made of copper, silver, plastics and mekume.
 
Stainless won't rust, plain steel will. Plain steel will develop a patina or can be force patinated to resist corrosion better.
 
thanks guys. If i use a stainless steel do I need to harden it or is it ok to leave it in its annealed state?
 
On puuko and saami knives, I like to use reindeer antler of walrus for the bolster/guard. If you can get or borrow a copy of Bo Bergman's book "Knifemaking" it is the classic puuko tutorial and info book. Make all those knives and you will be well on your way to a happy ( and profitable) pastime.

If woodworking is one of your skils, it fits right in. Many puuko makers purchase Morra or similar blades and make the knives as a woodworking project.
 
Very good info guys. I think im either going to go with a type of steel, teak wood, or I have old busted white tail deer antlers left at my house from the previous owner.
 
Wrought can be hard to find in a "finished" state from what I have seen. I forge my WI parts out from old anchor chain links. As far as stainless goes, 416 is my choice and it can be hardened, but I usually don't harden it. For plain steel, I use 1018 and hit it with some cold bluing solution or paste for kind of a faux "French gray" finish.
 
I doubt you will have much luck with white tail deer antler for solid pieces like guards and bolsters. Caribou and reindeer, are much denser andf have large solid parts.
 
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