Using silver in knifemaking

[Hugo]

Question for you knife makers out there.
Do any of you use sterling silver as spacers.
I ask as I have some silver and want to try using it as a spacer on
a knife that I hope to make.
I ask as I am unsure as to the silver discolouring.

 

[launditch1]

I think it would make a nice spacer.I 'spose it would tarnish if left unused...
Is it 925?

 

[Everything Mac]

Not sure about discolouration but you should be able to use it with no problems. - I used some to make my GF a necklace a while back and it was a lot harder than I expected.

I've used pewter - that was easy enough.

Andy

 

[lannyman8]

should be fine, if it does tarnish just give it a good buff and it should come straight back......

 

[brancho]

Not used it myself but I have seen examples of it being used just like anything made of silver it will discolour.

 

[Hugo]

I have a couple of pieces, and they are stamped with an anchor and a lion so should be good silver.
I'm going to give it a go.
Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Ben Trout]

So long as your scale material is non-porus or properly oiled, a quick rub with toothpaste will shine up the silver easily, without affecting the scales. Are you going for silver pins/lanyard tube as well?

Post some pictures!

 

[Hugo]

Not sure what I'm going to use yet.
The blade arrived today from Sweden, maker was Maihkel Eklund.
I wont be starting it yet as I'm not well at the moment.

 

[bushwacker bob]

I use loads of sterling silver as spacers in knife scales, scandi spacers and on slipjoint scales. IME I have never had any discoloration with silver.

Photo nicked from Dougster (sorry)

 

[brancho]

The blade arrived today from Sweden, maker was Maihkel Eklund.

Maihkel makes nice blades. What handle materials are you using.

I use loads of sterling silver as spacers in knife scales, scandi spacers and on slipjoint scales. IME I have never had any discoloration with silver.

Bob
In regular use silver will not tarnish but sat around for long periods without use it will. Then again I cant see either of those sitting around tooo much.

 

[Hugo]

No idea Branco as yet, might raid SHMBO's wooden fruit collection for a start.

 

[Xunil]

As long as the knife is used often it won't discolour - I use silver for guards, pins and spacers and the only issues are with those buyers who go and put in in a drawer somewhere...

You can always use some sort of fixative to cover the entire handle, which will prevent oxidation of the silver. Some people use one of the various superglues, often applying and building up layers of it, and sometimes some people polymerise it with linseed oil.

Basically you end up with a very hard and glossy finish which can prevent the silver from discolouring.

Thumbs up for silver from me