Hey,

What kind of materials do y'all use for bolsters? I've been using brass, but don't like the corrosion that my knives get when I do any kind of skinnin' or gutting. I've got two knives about to be completed that I used nickel silver on, which I like so far. It seems a little harder to cut to size, though. Anybody ever used bronze or copper?

Josh Blount

Hello Josh,
The softer metals(brass,copper, bronze,n/ silver) will make good working knives, but if you want to make the nice ones,most makers use 416 stainless steel,blued tool steel, or damascus for guards.
304 s/s will work, but don't try to engrave it.(it's gummy)
The softer,copper based metals listed above, will tarnish, corrode, and scratch easily.(primarily used by new makers for the ease of working)
The harder metals are more difficult to work, but lasts much longer, and hold thier value better.I hope this helps.