Can you explain "burning in" for me?

[Gwinnydapooh]

Just what it sounds like-I've seen others told that they should "burn in" stick tangs into handles, for instance. I'm going home today for 7 days of spring break so I'll have a shop to play in again and I'd like to try to use this on a stick tang bowie I'm making to cut my wedding cake with. Try to make it as basic as you can, I'm a beginner!

I thought of simply heating the tang till it would burn wood, for example, and thus could be pressed into the wood and burn a perfect-fitting slot. But wouldn't this require too much heat? Or do you grind it, do the burn in, and heat treat later? Thanks!

If you prefer to use email, please use don_gwinn@hotmail.com since that's the only account I can check at home.

 

[knifemaker3]

You have it right by heating the tang and burning in a slot. Do it after heat treat and be careful to direct the flame away from the blade. Use a wet rag or some of this paste that keeps heat from effecting the blade like is used in soldering if worried about getting the blade too hot.

Go slow! Heat a little, burn a little. Be sure to predrill a small hole clean through the material first, assuming it will have a buttcap on the end.

Good luck and post some pics of the knife when finished!!

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Craig Blankenship
Blankenship Knives
http://www.blankenship-knives.com

 

[raker]

I don't use a hidden tang very often but if the hole is drilled close to the size needed, there is less likely chance of burning the hole to large. Easy does it. If needed, a small amount of epoxy will make sure it is tight. If you are using antler, boil the antler about an hour, and with the hole drilled slightly smaller than the tang (tang should have some notches on it), you can force the antler on to the tang and it will stay when it cools.

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Ray Kirk
http://www.tah-usa.net/raker

 

[Gwinnydapooh]

Thanks guys! That's exactly what I wanted to know. I've got the blade itself just about finished now, down to about 120-grit finish. I'm going for a mirror polish in the end. I wasn't absolutely certain I wanted a hidden tang, but I think now that's going to be the only way to get the balance I wanted. I think it probably will be stag; dad has several pieces that would work well.
Thanks again and I'll be sure to post it when it's finished.