Attaching Double Guards

[dhannon]

Probalby an easy one, but I'm used to applying single guards. With a single guard I make a slot in the blade to accept the guard (full tang knives). However, I notice most double guard knives (bowies, fighters...) don't show obvious steps at the guard to blade or guard to handle contact. Are the blades generally straight under those guards, with pins and solder? Or is there a standard way to apply the double guard I'm not noticing?

Thanks for the help. Mostly hunting.

Dan
Hannon Bearpaw Knives http://www.freeweb.pdq.net/dhannon/hannon.htm

 

[L6steel]

All I do is cut a slot in the guard where I want it to fit on the blade. Shape the tang first and make the slot smaller than the tang and then file it to the final size. If you slightly taper the flats of the tang from about 1/2" back from the hilt to the end of it, it will be easier to slip the guard on. Make the slot just big enough so it will slip over the tapered part of the tang, but small enough so you have to press it onto the last half inch and set it. That way, if it's done right, you won't need any solder to fill gaps because there won't be any. You probably won't even have to pin it.

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!

 

[Hagar]

I do mine pretty much the same as L6.
I usually have a step from the blade to tang
about 1/16 to 1/8 deep on each side.

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There is no such thing as "good enough", either your work is good or it is not. How is your work?
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[dhannon]

Thanks. The step is what I tried on my first and it looks acceptable. However, I see some blades where the handle end of the guard seems to melt into the tang. I tend not to believe that the guard thins to a point on the handle end. I suppose there's a million ways to hide it. I usually get too hung up on the details prior to moving...

I haven't gotten the knack of the line on line tight fit to eliminate the solder. Still using a drill press and files to slot the guards. Gettin' better though.

Thanks,

Dan
Hannon Bearpaw Knives http://www.freeweb.pdq.net/dhannon/hannon.htm

 

[L6steel]

You'll get there Dan, just use a smaller drill bit and leave more to file and keep trial fitting it. Tapering the tang helps alot!!

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!