guard and/or pommels

[Steve Randall]

I was wondering how you finish the guard when using a mild steel/ wrought iron for material? do you hot blue , polish or what to help protect the steel and get the different color thanks ....steve

 

[stabber]

Don't know about mild steel, but Nickle/Stainless, Brass,Bronze,Copper are used.

Some are polished and Blued

Some only polished

Some satin finished

Bead blasted

Wrought iron can be etched

Depends on the type of knife your building

 

[Steve Randall]

I have used brass and nickel on knives I was just wandering about mild type steel . I saw a guy use a mild steel guard and place in a container with coal from wood, seal it and and place in a fire till red hot ,let cool 2 hr then remove and place in water. it had a very cool contrast. I was thinking there has to be an easier way of getting that look? also help it from rusting? thanks steve

 

[joe levy]

To get a deep blue you need to polish the mild steel, heat to 600 deg and quench in oil.

 

[Steve Randall]

thanks I knew there had to be a better ( easier ) way I will try that. ...steve

 

[SBuzek]

On forged knives I use mild steel guards and butt caps and usuall bring them up to a high polish but tell the buyer they are minld steel and will patina along with the blade to a nice grey or rust like crap if you don't take care of it.
Stan

 

[Dan Pierson]

Look up rust bluing.

 

[stabber]

Guns and Ammo briefly describes the Rust Blueing. Looks to be a tedious/expensive process?

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/Cold+Rust+Bluing