Using Bronze in knifemaking

[golfer1]

I would like to use some bronze in some of my knifemaking but know nothing about the metal. Could any of you enlighten me on what types to use and suggest where to get it?
Thanks in advance and best wishes.

 

[mete]

There are many bronzes as there are many brasses. You may pick them for color or properties . Silicon Bronze is a good starter .Readily available though I can't give you where. Original bronze was about 10 % tin in copper. Most cannot be heat treated but can be work hardened .Original bronze was often work hardened on the edges for hardness.

 

[TJ Smith]

There are many bronzes as there are many brasses. You may pick them for color or properties . Silicon Bronze is a good starter .Readily available though I can't give you where. Original bronze was about 10 % tin in copper. Most cannot be heat treated but can be work hardened .Original bronze was often work hardened on the edges for hardness.

What bronze will solder

 

[i4Marc]

Try Onlinemetals.com or McMaster Carr (mcmaster.com). Both places will have descriptions of the different varieties of bronzes and their properties/applications.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

All bronze will solder.

 

[Lieblad]

What bronze will solder

All bronze I worked with will solder, both soft and hard (silver) Just get it cleaned well & fluxed.

 

[mete]

Lieblad, you should distinguish between low temperature silver SOLDER which melts at about 450F and silver BRAZE which melts up near 900F Both will work with the Bronzes.

 

[Alan Davis Knives]

I would like to use some bronze in some of my knifemaking but know nothing about the metal. Could any of you enlighten me on what types to use and suggest where to get it?
Thanks in advance and best wishes.

This is what I use, they only have thicker now but often have it around an 1/8” thick. https://www.alphaknifesupply.com/shop/product/silicon-bronze

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

Our silicon bronze and copper stock is low right now. We are waiting for a shipment of sheet and rod to arrive.

Chuck

 

[HSC ///]

I use silicon bronze for guards and the Frame in a frame handle
http://www.atlasmetal.com/silicon-bronze-sheet-plate.php
it patinas to a nice warm look

 

[12345678910]

https://www.onlinemetals.com/productguides/bronzeguide.cfm

 

[jdm61]

Isn't silicon bronze what we would call "marine bronze" that is used for things like propellors?

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

There are a few alloys called marine bronze.

Chuck

 

[javand]

I agree, I favor silicon bronze myself. It's got great working and maintenance characteristics, and has a nice warm, "decidedly bronze" color, that won't be confused with brass by customers.

Jim Rodebaugh turned me on to it (and Harbeer also I'm sure), and he's well known for it's use, to great approval by his discerning customers.

Don't think you can go wrong with it.

 

[golfer1]

Hey, thank you guys and AKS for helping out with this. I'm not so keen on the shiny brass look, preferring the more subdued bronzy look on decorative areas. Best wishes to all.