Bowie-Sized blocks of Micarta?

Erin- Sorry, I edited my last post while you were replying to the original version of it (I think).

Some hidden, indexing pins would certainly add that extra level of mechanical strength... but I have never done that. I've brutalized some test knives done with the frames, Corby bolts, and Acraglas, and they are very tough.

I'm sure any of the other high end epoxies, like G-Flex, would have similar results.

Of course if it's a solid block, you have zero worries. ;)

Glad to hear you picked up some G10 from Chuck. His bowie blocks are great to work with.... other than the nasty dust, the amazing abrasion resistance/cutting tool dulling abilities... HaHa ;) Seriously though- like any synthetic there are issues to deal with, but Chuck's bowie blocks are super high quality material.

Broaching the hole for the tang is definitely the bi*** of the matter. My John Perry broaches will eat steel... but I don't like using them in G10, because I have to break out the diamond hone if I do. They'll cut wood, stag, etc... all day long... but blocks of G10 are brutal on wearing down sharp tools.

I just got some super-dee duper extra long carbide endmills to help make the process more efficient. Hopefully! ;)

Hope you post pics of the finished knife Erin! :cool:
 
I am almost 100% certain that "just" sandwiching the frame between the scales with high-quality epoxy, and holding it all together with bolts or peened pins like Nick describes would never slide apart. It would take a whole lot of focused pressure to get that entire glue joint to fail.

Of course, a keyed system like Eric described would add an extra measure of strength, but I really don't think it's necessary for a permanent handle. For a takedown, it makes a lot of sense.

I've been getting my G10 from Chuck exclusively for a couple years now, with no complaints at all. It doesn't seem to wear out twist drills or countersinks any worse than annealed steel does, and it doesn't want to blow out every time you make a hole in it.

Other than crazy tool wear when you get to broaching or milling a shape into it(carbide endmills make sense) and making a horrible stench/clouds of smoke if you try to cut it too fast, the only thing you really have to watch out for is grinding it way too fast and getting it hot. If you really over-do it, it can scorch deeply and you'll end up grinding off quite a bit of ugly nasty black stringy goop. (Try it on purpose on a scrap piece, it's actually kind of interesting when it doesn't matter) But basic caution and a little patience prevents that. :)
 
I was at the Wannamaker Arms Show in Tulsa and bought a block of black canvas micarta from R.W.Wilson. The block was 1 inch thick 5 1/2 inches wide and 10 inches long. He had similar slabs that were less in width but this was the thickest.

the price was VERY right.
 
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