Brass on knives?

[M&J]

Typically I've used 416 as bolster or guard on fixed blades. Part of me likes the contrast with brass yet it oxidizes easily which has me a bit hesitant because that discoloration may bleed into a porous handle scale.

Thoughts?

[TexasJack]

A porous handle can be sealed to prevent discoloration.

Brass has been "taboo" for a while because so many blades from 3rd world countries use brass. Personally I think that's nonsense - there are times when brass looks great and there are plenty of quality companies - like Buck - that still use it on many designs.

[M&J]

Some buyers at the local shop have had custom brass inserts made up, so I've seen enough of a following that some do like the weight and look. That yellow looks nice in some combinations.

[Crex]

I agree TJ, brass, bronze, copper, etc. all have their places. There are a bunch of elitist snobs in the Knifemakers' Guild that poo poo these materials, but when I juried in back in 2010, the judges looked at one of my big forged western bowies with bronze guard passed it around the table and never even looked at the other three knives. In like Flint, been a member ever since.
I make a lot of period pieces and don't hesitate to use whatever I think works for a particular knife. Done several with bone and antler guards as well. Fella on the KG board of directors said it wouldn't hold up to use so I gave him a chunk of antler and told him to either break it with his hands or cut it in half with his little over embellished drop point hunter. Won't mention his name, but he sucked it up and walked away.