Hi Denis,

I use brass a lot on small hunters, because I like the old school look. I use copper and brass for liners and bolsters on my brut de forge knives. I like the patina, because it makes them look older.

At a recent hammer-in, I was told some collectors do not like brass and copper, because it scratches easily.

I don't know of any coatings that will prevent them from tarnishing, but maybe someone else on the board does.

The brass I use is 360, I think. I just shop around the various knife supply sites and order what is available.

In my limited experience,I have found if the knife is flowing and has good fit and finish, people are drawn to them no matter what materials I've used.

Best of Luck!

Bob

Thanks Robert!

Some collectors here don´t buy a knife only for the brass/copper... 🙁

Because the patina... Because the scratches did in use... Because it´s so easy to work and "don´t show the 'mastering' or 'knowlegment' of the smith"

But sometimes I ask:

- And if I want to use a "yellow" material? May I have to use only gold?

- Or will knives always be all "silver colored"?

- If the MS and others old and important knifemakers used Copper/Brass... Why I can´t use too?

- In Japanese Knifemaking it´s so important the use of copper and brass because the colors they can do....

I remember yesterday that a lot of things in the Ships/Boats are in Brass or Copper and I don´t know why these things don´t have patina....

I have stopped using brass pretty much unless requested, and then based on a recommendation by Jim Rodebaugh, MS, I now use bronze when I want that look it normally is slower to tarnish from my experience. Most of my guards are 416 stainless steel and some are carbon fiber these days. I still personally like the look of copper and I have masked the non copper areas of the knife with both film and liquid mask and then airbrushed a hard hardening coat of clear over the copper. I did this once for a small knife for one of my daughters.

Denis,

Doubt if gold is used very often as high as it is, lol. That being said as a maker I'll use what ever the customer likes and request as long as it fits with the design and style of knife. Mild steel can be blued blackened or browned. Siliconized bronze looks really good with stainless or nick/silver.

Having been in the Navy when I was young,I can tell you the reason the brass and stuff shined all the time is because it got polished every day!

Bob

Thanks George,

I've noticed a lot of the knife supply places don't carry bronze, where do you get yours if I may ask?

Thanks,

Bob

This company sells chemicals that are for doing patinas on metals, as well as for protection against tarnish. I have net tried these chemicals. So, I have no idea if they actually work.

Jax Products

I also know of a technique used by jewelry makers. They protect the materials from tarnish, by using a thin shellac coating. They dissolve a small amount of shellac flakes in denatured alcohol. To check the mixture, dip a finger in the solution and wipe it on the back of your hand. The correct mixture will leave a slight shine, once the alcohol dries. I have not tried this either, so don't know how well it works.

Hi,

Here is a link to a Supplier for metal patina....etc.

LINK

Ernie

I get my silicon bronze here, you have to purchase six foot long pieces at a time if I remember correctly so I've only ordered once and have been using the bronze I got for a few years.

http://www.atlasmetal.com/silicon-bronze-flat-bar.php

Thanks, Kyle!

MSC has small amounts of several bronzes as well as copper and a number of brass alloys McMaster-carr also sell small quantity's

MP

Alpha Knife Supply in Washington state sells small quantities of bronze. Just have to call them and ask.

Alpha

I have been using there mareial and it works well.

Brion

Thanks for all the sources guys. I'm bookmarking them.

Bob

Thank you guys!

Patinas and protection of copper based alloys (copper, brass, bronze)is well studied in sculpture and casting circles. There is a lovely book on patinas called The Coloring, Bronzing, and Patination of Metals by Hughes and Rowe. A bit pricy but you can find them used.

A small company sells another good book, Methods for Modern Scupltors as well as CD on hot and cold treatments for copper based alloys and steels as well as the patinas themselves. I've used their finish coating on a cane head to protect it. Really wide range of colors...

http://www.sculptnouveau.com/

They have a section on sealants. Nice people to deal with: very helpful when you're clueless.

Kevin