Would brass be a goos material for a knife? Or would the blade be for show only?

Question

I am about to forge a buck knife from some brass bar stock and want to know if the blade could be used or if it will be art only.

Answer 1

if you're looking to spend a lot of time on a project making a knife, use an old file. it takes a lot of effort but, you'll get a very good blade. a lot of work.

Answer 2

Brass is only used as part of the handle.  If you are looking for a working knife, then use steel.  If it is only for decoration, then you can use brass.

Answer 3

Brass is a bad choice for functionality.  The art of Mokume-gane is the forging of non-ferrous metals for ornimental use.

Very prety stuff.

Can it be forged...short answer... yes.

Do some research on Mokume-gane that will help you out.

Answer 4

Brass is too soft to be a useful knife blade. I bet it will look great though!

Answer 5

Brass is a soft metal but don't discredit it as a superb tool.  The blade will be beautiful and functional but it will require a lot of sharpening to keep its edge in prolonged usage.  While we don't use it now brass and bronze was used for thousands of years to do many things including build the pyramids.