How Much do Sterling Silver Knife Handles Weigh?

Part of my Urban Prospecting series...
On most silver knives and other large pieces of flatware, only the handle is sterling silver. In this video we'll cover a few tips to identify sterling silver handles on flatware, plus scrap several pieces to find out the silver content and how much they weigh.

[@brandonlee2344]

Bro your scrapping stuff that’s worth triple if not x5 to x10 the value of the scrap prices!! Let’s say you got 5oz Troy of silver @$26 an oZ thats $130 silver but its 92.5% so it’s ready $120.25 in silver and those antique knifes u cut up we’re worth a little $300 to $350?? People don’t do this jts stupid! Your losing money maybe if you got a really damaged knife and you wanted to make some jewelry out of Sterling then okay but if your just trying to scrap it your missing Obey

[@Jhans-wj5pl]

I really don’t understand why you would be scrapping sterling silverware. I understand wire and motors and copper pipe , appliances lol. But why would you scrap something that you can easily sell for 25 percent more just selling the knives fast. And if you wait it would a extra 50 percent.

[@Silvercrypto-xk4zy]

Time mostly. Also finding buyers is harder than it used to be, unless you have something high end and well known like Tiffany, especially if you’re able to get it cheap enough you can make good money just from the scrap

[@adairpoole5770]

It seems like you could make more money selling the sets or knives whole and intact. I am sure there are collectors looking to complete sets. Especially if it is an old or scarce pattern.

[@angelodavid-f7k]

i have complete set 64 pcs with box

[@andreah6175]

Yea to me wouldn't be work all the work for what you'd get, I'd assume to retain the vintage value intact.

[@Silvercrypto-xk4zy]

It takes a lot more time to find a buyer willing to pay a fair price for a profit for something that specific. So unless you have like an antique or jewelry store most often it’s easier just to scrap, especially if you got it at a good price to begin with

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

Great Video , another thing .... If they say Tiffany or some other Top Shelf Brand Names , They can be collectors Items and Worth Way More than the Silver . Now most dinged up flatware not in Sets is worth More in Sterling , Coin . 800 etc. Silver Scrap .

[@MrMcGoo-rm3yu]

Don't loose any Ag.! I used a hammer to loosen the handle and just pull the blade out, then break out the plaster. It's a lot less work also.

[@Ticonderoga12]

Havent tried ur method but i will, hate to lose that extra silver

[@Macky1101]

It's a lot of work and banging and when you crush the filling inside it becomes dust when you pour it out. And when you have 40-50 of them, it's a lot of banging and dust and a lot of work. I am considering cutting them with dremel to make it easier even it it means losing some silver. I did 30 of them and it took a few hours. A lot of work and mess and a lot of banging (and reaming) and a lot of time. At least a few minutes per knife. Some harder and more work than others from different makers.

[@stevewoods8116]

Thank you 🎉🎉🎉

[@bennettwarren3230]

Great video, nicely done. What was the starting weight of the knifes? What would the ratio be sterling to other components.

[@terenceryan6051]

What type of saw do you use to cut them?

[@andreah6175]

I would have guessed those hallmarked pieces were solid sterling, I myself just came across a vintage beautiful candelabra hallmarked Sterling, New York Starr (maker) but what's new to me is the 4th hallmark... 81 1/2S. Assuming then mine is solis sterling BUT a lower grade than 925?

[@David-sw3on]

I was just watching another sterling silverware video and I thought- well that's great, but how much do sterling knife handles weigh?..Then scrolling 2 doors down was your video! So thanks very much for the great info! PS- and I always thought that the knife handles were solid silver- but of coarse It makes sense that they are not- they were just as cheap like us back then! lol 👍😉🇨🇦

[@tracywubben3786]

What works great is a propane torch heat the handle up and the solder falls out.

[@KramuWu]

shouldn't you test the inner metal? looks like its silver plating

[@charlenecarr9604]

Really enjoyed this video ! It was very interesting and helpful !

[@ericgoernert7946]

I really like the information. Thanks so much for your time

[@rgrodrigueziii]

Great video. Where do you sell it or what do you do with it.

[@dee4844mz]

Does the plaster cement have lead in it?

[@OrlanSharpe-b1z]

Great video, thanks.

[@alfredoramirez3927]

Great job. I scored a Wallace sterling dinner set (not complete) at a garage sale, and was wondering how I was going to get the handles off to take to the refinery. I appreciate you taking the time to explain the process. All the best.

[@keithjaffe6303]

This video is outstanding!!!!!

[@raselreondres9541]

Nice video Sir God bless you

[@MoniPaz-xq9mq]

De que material es

[@FranciscoRodriguez-be6ik]

I smash the fuck out of it and I don't loose any silver.

[@ProspectorPhil]

Haha, nice! Silver is great in that regard. I've had decent results doing the same if it's got plaster/cement but the resin filling can be hit or miss.

[@jkjk4252]

People on Ebay will buy the sterling handle knives and take the stainless part off and add other stainless parts such as bar knives, serving spoons, and so on. So, the handles can have more than scrap value.