Can this be fixed ? My first slotted guard.

J

Jason Cutter

Joined
Oct 9, 2002
Messages
1,419
I was really happy with the guard fit on this one - my first attempt at a slotted guard.
http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/f...09-CCA283817914}&exp=f&moddt=38031.7096681713

But after grinding and near 99% finished, I noticed that unsightly gap in the guard fit to the tang which has been filled with epoxy.
http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/f...F7-EBD9ABA3EDA6}&exp=f&moddt=38031.7096716088

I won't sell this knife if this flaw can't be fixed. Does anyone have any suggestions if this can be done, or am I destined to keep this knife ? Thanks in advance. Jason.
 
Jason,

As we say in the software Biz:

If you can't fix it - feature it.

"It's a differential thermal coefficient expansion slot. Much like used on bridges. It is meant to maintain the guard position as the phenolic resin handle material reacts to temperature changes."

Steve
 
Originally posted by Sando
Jason,

As we say in the software Biz:

If you can't fix it - feature it.

"It's a differential thermal coefficient expansion slot. Much like used on bridges. It is meant to maintain the guard position as the phenolic resin handle material reacts to temperature changes."

Steve
Click to expand...
A stroke of genius! See,everything can be explained,Jason!
 
1. Use a small drill bit and your press to gently dig out some of the epoxy.

2. Mix up some more epoxy and color it with a little bit of silver model airplane paint. Use this to fill the gap.

3. Sell the knife to a customer who is happy with the way the result looks.

4. Use the money to buy more materials and make the next guard fit better.

5. Notice I said "better," not "perfect." You'll never make a perfect knife. But keep trying! (I've been trying for 15 years. Maybe one of these days....):D
 
drill out a few small holes in the gap....use some pinstock of the same material as the guard....pin it down....repeat if needed...this should make it possible to hide compleetly...it is very important though that the pins are of the same material.
 
I concur with Jens, that is a good fix.

To not have this happen again what you can do is to cut a slot per se in the tang that the guard will slide in to. Make sure it is a good fit and you will never have this problem again.

Craig
 
Sando
I believe you have writen the best post ever to appear on Blade forum!...

"It's a differential thermal coefficient expansion slot. Much like used on bridges. It is meant to maintain the guard position as the phenolic resin handle material reacts to temperature changes."
 
Howdy There....!
Think that everyone else has given you help on fixing it, here is my suggestion to prevent it. I have learned for a more experienced knifemaker to cut a slot in the blade to slide your guard into and when you do your finish grinds to shape the guard, you have enough blade material left to shape with the guard and the slot won't show. I cut the small slot in the blade about 3/16" deep into the tang when I pre-fit the guard to the tang before heat treating. It also gives you a shoulder to support your guard and you only need one pin to hold the guard secure. If this isn't a clear suggestion email me and I will send drawings. Good Luck...!:rolleyes:
 
Thanks guys for all the advice. I am quite aware of the slotted tang technique - but was JUST TOO DAMNED LAZY to do it ! :rolleyes: Well, this is what I get ...

I will slot the tang on the next one. I'll probably keep this one and work on it in my free time. The method I will try first is to heat a needle and pick out the poxy then file a small wedge of 416 or aluminium and tap / pein into place.

Steve... LMAO !!:D :D :D Thanks again everyone. Jason.
 
You know Jason, if the knife really bothers you I could always use it for Danny's future knife collection.
;)

I'm going into my fourth year of making knives and now I decide to start a collection.
:rolleyes:
 
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