Thread: copper wire for pins??

Hey all,
I thought that copper would look cool in contrast to the brass washers but am concerned about the "flex" on the copper wire (12-14 gauge, I believe). My questions is: If you put the copper wire in, peen the tips, at a short distance (and peened) would there be any flex??
Let me know your thoughts.

Originally Posted by ElChatico

Hey all,
I thought that copper would look cool in contrast to the brass washers but am concerned about the "flex" on the copper wire (12-14 gauge, I believe). My questions is: If you put the copper wire in, peen the tips, at a short distance (and peened) would there be any flex??
Let me know your thoughts.

I'm not a pro, but wouldn't there be problems with it oxidizing? I may be wrong...Just thinking out loud

Originally Posted by ElChatico

Hey all,
I thought that copper would look cool in contrast to the brass washers but am concerned about the "flex" on the copper wire (12-14 gauge, I believe). My questions is: If you put the copper wire in, peen the tips, at a short distance (and peened) would there be any flex??
Let me know your thoughts.

I never used copper for pins, but I was a telephone cable splicer while working through college. I personally don't think it would be ideal because it had quite a bit of flex when working with it... However, I've not taken the time to compare it to other materials since becoming a straight razor user (I'm several years removed from my splicing days).

It would be interesting to see some experimentation with it though.

Originally Posted by Cove5440

I'm not a pro, but wouldn't there be problems with it oxidizing? I may be wrong...Just thinking out loud

Patina in copper looks great to many, and I'm thinking that may be part of the appeal in the idea initially. Obviously, I can't say for sure...

Originally Posted by richmondesi

Patina in copper looks great to many, and I'm thinking that may be part of the appeal in the idea initially. Obviously, I can't say for sure...

Good point! That would make interesting looks on some scale material.... Hmmm...

Having worked in the Orthotic?Prosthetic Industry for over 20 yrs. We used copper rivets to fasten metal and straps to braces and artificial limbs. I don't see why not. The only thing would be to be able to find that type of copper ( the strength was stronger than wire) in 1/16th inch. You could use 1/8th inch just the hole would be larger.

A few years back a lot of knife makers were using copper for bolsters but not pins. It was really attractive. Mack

Copper from 14 guage romex is just too soft IMO, blade loosened in just a few days. I didn't see any problems with the wedge end though...

Why not make some copper washers and use brass or stainless pins? Mack

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Copper from 14 guage romex is just too soft IMO, blade loosened in just a few days. I didn't see any problems with the wedge end though...

That's sort of what I was thinking. Not being an expert on restoring razors, copper still sounds awfully soft for pins.