Ok, here is what I want to try and do. Make a slip joint with damascus bolsters. I think I have everything worked out except for the -PINS.

What do I use for the pins in the blade and back bolster? Is there damascus pins or do you have to get them made? or do you even need them? I thought about using nickle silver pins. But you would have the little round silver spot. Or maybe use Stainless steel pins and etch over them and darken it a little? What about carbon steel (non stainless) pins and do they make them?

Does anybody know a secret they what to share? :)

Thanks

Tony, most makers use screws on damascus bolsters, but if you have a lathe, you can turn your own pins from damascus cutoff pieces.

Don,

Yep I usually use screws too on my newer tech model :) knives but on the classic pattern slip joints like trappers I use pins. I was trying to figure out how to maintain the traditional look on the classic patterns and use damascus for bolsters. I thought about the damscus pins but I am not sure how well they will hold up with the blade pivoting around them. Can't harden them because you can peen them and left soft I'm not sure about the wear resistance with them being two different metals.

Thanks

How about a shorter hard pin covered with turned damascus plugs?

Peened pins are great until you try sand the pins flush and try to figure out how to re etch the bolster, it's a wee bit difficult.

I think that is why people use screws.