Knifemaker's Mokume-gane

Shining Wave Metals, a commercial producer of mokume-gane since 1984, now offers a line of this material that specifically meets the needs of knifemakers. The Knifemaker's Line is composed of nickel-silver and a red bronze to meet the maker's need for a mokume with a combination of a bold pattern, high strength, good formability and good machinabilty. The metal is supplied in a half hard condition unless otherwise specified. Flat stock is roll finished on two sides, rod is cold swaged.

The Patterns
The Shining Wave Knifemaker's Line of mokume-gane is offered in a variety of patterns and stock sizes. Special orders may be produced on request but may be subject to a surcharge. A list of the patterns is below, refer to the price list for available stock sizes and prices.

Diamond & Ladder Pattern, 50 layers: Very fine, very controlled incised patterns with a woodgrain quality. These patterns are double sided and go all the way through the bar, so there is no loss of pattern due to stock removal. The classic mokume, great for bolsters and other flat fittings.

Straight grain, 40 layers: The only three color mokume in the line consisting of alternating layers of nickel silver, brass and bronze in varying thicknesses. The layers form stripes running parallel to the edges of the strip. Our special forging gives the layers a slight wave for added interest. Used for flat guards and bolsters, excellent for that contemporary design look.

Flat Grain, 50 layers: This mokume has no developed pattern, the layer arranged parallel similar to pages in a book. Use this pattern for forms that are heavily filed or contoured or for developing your own pattern by carving and flattening.

Traditional Japanese Alloys

Shining Wave Metals fabricates a line of traditional alloys used for sword fittings. All the alloys are used with a patina, rather than with a bright finish. The effect is subtle and rich, especially when combined with precious metals. The three alloys offered are described below.

4% Shakudo - The classic Japanese shakudo, 4% of fine gold in a copper base, with traces of other alloys for better color and working properties. When patinated with Baldwin's Patina it turns a deep purple black. This alloy works like pure copper.

15% Shibuichi -A tough, hard alloy of 15% fine silver in a copper base. The color of the raw metal is a creamy pink, when patinated or handled it turns an olive green.

25% Shibuichi -An alloy of 25% fine silver in a copper base. Somewhat harder than 15% Shibuichi, with a somewhat lighter color. May be depletion plated to create a silvery surface. Patinated surfaces range from shades of gray to a buff color.

Stock sizes & Pricing: The traditional Japanese alloys are fabricated in three inch wide sheets. Orders must be in the form of a 3"x "L", for example a 3"x 2" or a 3" x 9". 1/4" & 1/8" thick material will have sawn edges, 1/16" thick stock will be sheared. All the alloys will be furnished dead soft, unless other arrangements are made. Stock thicknesses and prices per square inch are listed on the How to Purchase page.