Japanese Silver Copper Alloy (Pink Silver)

[Rodney Carroll]

Hello,

I am new to this post. I am looking for somebody that can tell me the
name of this copper silver alloy. I read about it someplace and I
cannot find it again. I know that is an old alloy that the Japanese
craftsman used in Samuri Swords. The alloy is still used today but not
really here in the US. I would like to use this alloy on a project on
mine. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Thanks

Rodney Carroll
RC Gems

[Peter W. Rowe]

Rodney, The two most commonly known japanese alloy types other than relatives
of what we westerners also use, are called Shakudo and Shibuichi. Shakudo is
copper with a few percent of gold added (typically 3-5 percent). The gold
allows the alloy to take deep rich purplish/blackish patinas, richer than one
gets with copper alone. Shibuichi is probably what you're referring too, being
an alloy of copper and silver. Proportions quoted for the two in various
recipies vary widely. Phillip Baldwin's two versions are 15% and 25% silver in
copper. Other variations are various quoted. Some versions are quite pink,
others are still mostly a silver grey, but darker toned than what sterling or
coin silver gives. As with Shakudo, often the aim wasn't just the basic color
of the metal, but also what patina colors it could then be given.

Reactive Metals Inc, in Sedona Arizona, carries a range of unusual metals.
While the titanium/niobium "reactive" metals are their original and perhaps main
products, they also carry Phillip Baldwins "Shining Wave" metals line, which
includes Shibuichi, Shakudo, gold/silver bimetal sheet, and a whole range of
mokume, both prepatterned and not. Shining Wave's is an extensive and
fascinating line of products, mostly made by hand (well, so long as you allow
the use of power forging hammers and rolling mills, etc...) specifically for the
use of fine craftspeople. While the prices may initially seem hign, considering
the work that goes into their preparation, the prices are actually amazingly
reasonable (IMHO). Reach them at www.reactivemetals.com

Hope this helps.

Peter Rowe

[Rodney Carroll]

Peter W. Rowe <PWR...@home.com> wrote in message
news:<2p2rit44plutsp4ef...@4ax.com>...

> On Sun, 17 Jun 2001 22:00:59 -0700, in rec.crafts.jewelry rc8...@gte.net (Rodney
> Carroll) wrote:
>
> >>Hello,
> >>
> >>I am new to this post. I am looking for somebody that can tell me the
> >>name of this copper silver alloy. I read about it someplace and I
> >>cannot find it again. I know that is an old alloy that the Japanese
> >>craftsman used in Samuri Swords. The alloy is still used today but not
> >>really here in the US. I would like to use this alloy on a project on
> >>mine. PLEASE HELP!!!!
> >>
> >>Thanks
> >>
> >>Rodney Carroll
> >>RC Gems
>

Thanks Peter!

You was a great help. I also was able to find where I first read about
this alloy. I was in July 2000 LJ issue.

Rodney