Black pins

D

DukeHarley

Joined
Apr 11, 2014
Messages
644
I am doing a knife for my dad and I'm going to be using Desert Ironwood scales. I love how black pins set off this wood. Which would be better for black pins? Black Delrin or Carbon Fiber? Has anyone used Delrin in the past for pins or even spacers for that matter?

Jay
 
I've only used black cf before but I like how it turns out. When cutting it to length I use a hack saw. Cut half way through the pin, then flip it over and cut the other half. This prevents the carbon ply from peeling away and messing up the pin.

Here's an example of how it looks when finished:




 
Only had experience with micarta pin stock. No issues with delaminating. Pretty sure it was from Sheffield Knife supply. 1/8, 3/16, & 1/4" diameter if that helps.
 
Delrin (Acetal) would finish easily since it is a relatively soft thermoplastic. If the scales are sufficiently bonded and pinned with the delrin, there shouldn't be any mechanical issues for the life of the knife. . . .Yet, consider fastening the scales with more robust black pin material that you have access to such as the carbon fiber or the previously recommended phenolic/micarta pins. What is the increase in material cost for two 3/4" long pins?

Mike L.
 
Reason I asked about Delrin or CF was I have both easily available and cost isn't really a factor. I order a lot from McMaster Carr and just can easily add either to an order and have it next day.

Jay
 
Black canvas micarta is the way to go. CF splinters and frays, delrin melts. Micarta is ideal. You can get it at Texas Knifemaker supply.

IMG_5119-vi.jpg
 
McMaster also has paper Garolite (their name for micarta) in black pin stock as I recall. It's what I use.
 
Yea, and I use it too when I'm out of canvas micarta, but the canvas will virtually disapear in a black micarta handle or black canvas micarta bolster.

There are 4 pins in the black canvas bolster on this knife.

20140221IMG_2311-vi.jpg
 
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