A few blade-mounting questions

[solphilos]

Hello all, I'm new to the forums, so excuse me if any redundant questions are asked, just have a few questions about putting a handle on a hidden-tang blade.

First, I am unsure of what adhesive or filler to use between handle and tang, my only choices at the moment are between an array of Loctite epoxies, and the old standby, JB Weld.
JB has proven itself over the years, and with its lack of shrinking I figured it may work well, but what concerns me is the wood. Would there be an issue between the expansion/contraction of the wood(osage orange in this case) and this type of adhesive?

My second question is about bolster materials. Unfortunately I cannot find any suitable brass, and my only options are aluminum and copper. Aluminum is lightweight and easy to work with, but I've heard that it has a tendency to expand and contract itself, and this concerns me as well.

Again, sorry for any redundancy, just want to make sure my first knife doesn't fall apart on me out in the field

 

[Los Angeles]

Both Aluminum and Copper are reactive, meaning they change color over time unless treated. If I were to choose, I'd go with copper with the osage orange. Just sand clean, color and wax/coat the copper and it will last a lifetime.

 

[solphilos]

I was thinking the same thing, just wanted to know which one would be better structurally.
I love the way the polished copper looks against the osage, they compliment one another excellently.

 

[SBuzek]

Use a two part epoxy to fill the handle, you want something thin to get in all the space and not leave any gaps. Either the copper or aluminum will be fine structurely but the copper will look better.
Stan

 

[solphilos]

Copper it will be :thumbup:
I just have to find an epoxy that sets slower than 5 min., the box store where I get my supplies has nothing but quick-set everything
Since this will be my first time peening a tang I'm going to need more than 5 minutes
Thanks for the advice guys