can a rectangular tang be threaded?

[deltablade]

I would like to rehandle a knife and use a steel pommel. The tang is rectangular, 3/16x3/8. can I thread the rectangular shape, or does it need to be rounded?

 

[HeavyHanded]

You need to cut it in deep enough on the sides to get a solid grab - like the jaw on a pipe wrench. Definitely possible.

 

[Mahoney]

yes, but...

It will help to round the 3/16" sides just a bit, to the profile of a 3/8" round rod. Or if you are thinking of going smaller than 3/8", profile as appropriate. Getting the die started straight will be tricky, as the 3/16" sides may get caught in the gullets (spaces between the cutting teeth) of the die. It may help to put a short taper on the tang end. I think a 4 ( or more) gullet die will work better for this project than a 3 gullet will, so you will have pairs of teeth cutting both sides of the bar at the same time. You won't have full threads on the tang obviously, so don't go too crazy tightening the pommel and strip the threads

 

[USMCPOP]

Tricky to thread, given the thickness (3/16") vs. the diameter (3/8") A 2:1 ratio. A 6 gullet die might work if you have the right "diameter" and taper to get it started.