Pivot Pin Metal Choice in Switchblades

[jw517]

I noticed that some older Italian Switchblades have brass pivot pins. I also noticed my Coricama with the brass pivot SEEMS to sound different when opening. In my logical mind I think/thought steel in steel would be the best combination,but why did some makers use brass? Was it just what was available to them in those years? I have an older manual Coricama and that pivot is steel. The 13 in. Coricama switchblade has a brass pivot pin,and the tiny manual has a steel pin. Why?
Could it be brass was installed if the knife seemed tight? I would think in a very short time the brass would conform to the steel and “ break in”.

[jw517]

Some older switchblades seem to open like lightning also where others look sluggish. Could it be brass?

[Bill DeShivs]

Brass is self-lubricating and it doesn't rust.
Most of the Coricama switchblades had brass pivots. It was used because it was nicer than steel.
Certainly, Italian cutlers had steel, brass and nickel silver pins.

[jw517]

That makes a whole lot of sense. I had a feeling it would almost be slicker as time went on. I was also toying with the idea to use Moly on the pivot pin and blade hole. I think it’s molybdenum disulfide. Very tough dry lube used in many metal on metal areas. It goes on like paint in its spray form.

[1OldTreeClimber]

If you want to suffer accelerated wear,use brass. It makes for a very poor bearing surface as it is nonporous and "wipes away" lubrication and suffers corrosion in the form of dezincification. If you've ever stored a brass knife in a sheath and came back to find it has turned green you'll know what I mean. Impregnated phosphor bronze rod is a much better choice.But if the item in question is rare or vintage it may be better to try to match what was originally used in it's construction.However that's just my humble opinion and I'm certain some will disagree.

[jw517]

Thanks Brian! I guess in a collector piece that I’m not going to fire but to see if it fires,brass would be ok. I know what you mean though. Merry Christmas!

[1OldTreeClimber]

You're welcome,Merry Christmas to you and as always,wishing the best of health to you and yours.