A question about pins

A

a1boy

Joined
May 18, 2010
Messages
60
Not that I'm trying to do this but hypothetically... could one just use coat hanger wire as pin material for scales of a knife? or is there something special about brass, etc. ? (peining)
 
You can use just about any structural material that you can drill a hole of corresponding size for. I have seen some makers use rods of G10 instead of metal. Welding rod is another improv material that some folks use. It's pretty much a matter of personal preference.
Some makers peen the ends of the pins, some just make sure they get securely epoxied in during the glue-up and grind the ends flush with the grip material (wonder if anyone has ever tried to peen mosaic pins...)
My own 2 cents: if you are building the whole knife from salvage/scavenge material then use whatever you like. If you have spent $ on new materials and the time to turn them into a nice knife then it is worth a few more $ to buy a pin material that suits your efforts rather than just slapping in the easiest thing to hand.
 
Great thanks, yeah I couldn't imagine any problems with using the coat hanger wire. much appreciated !
 
Only thing I would think that the coat hanger could rust and then mess up your handle material.
 
The welding supply store sells stainless welding rod in various thickness's. It works great and wont rust inside the handle with time. Thats pretty much the standard pin material and not very expensive.
 
I have been buying 12 foot sections of 3/16 brass and Stainless rod at my local metal supplier for $20 on a cash and carry deal works out to works out to 14 cents and inch so they are relatively cheap to buy and use.
 
Wow I didn't even think about rust, yeah that would be an issue, welding rods sound alright.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top