Curved Hidden Tang (without end protrusion) Question

M

mgysgthath

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Dec 15, 2009
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Hey all,

I've not been doing much in the way of knife making for a while, I got rather fed up with my kiln issues and life got in the way. But I'd like to get back into it, and I have acquired some nice burl blocks from Burl Source. I am thinking I'd like to try doing some hidden tangs (I'll practice on cheap wood first).

I have always admired Nick Wheeler's work, especially the handle shape on his fighters. I am not trying to rip his work off but I am curious how you would go about drilling and hollowing out a handle for a curved tang, without drilling in from both sides and meeting in the middle. I will link to a picture HERE, which will explain it better.

I will probably start with a straight tang and maybe do a take-down, since I have a tap and die set now. It's rather exciting to try something new and I'd appreciate any advice on Nick's style of handle. I could split it down the middle and hollow out a tang cavity, but I like the looks of one solid piece of wood.

As far as tools I have a drill press, tap and die, some small diamond files - straight and curved, chainsaw file etc.

Thanks! :)
 
Yes, Nick Wheeler makes some of the best looking stuff around. I will not begin to explain what he does, but I bet he will come along and explain it. For hollowing out the handles. You can drill a 1/4" hole or 2 to accomodate the tand. you can use a file rasp or even better a handle broach to connect the holes. I am cheap (or broke) so I made a handle broach from a sawsall blade by grinding it down to fit in a 1/4" hole. I use that to connect my holes.
 
M forge said:
Yes, Nick Wheeler makes some of the best looking stuff around. I will not begin to explain what he does, but I bet he will come along and explain it. For hollowing out the handles. You can drill a 1/4" hole or 2 to accomodate the tand. you can use a file rasp or even better a handle broach to connect the holes. I am cheap (or broke) so I made a handle broach from a sawsall blade by grinding it down to fit in a 1/4" hole. I use that to connect my holes.
Click to expand...

Thanks. But if the tang is curved, how do I make a curved hole, just scoop it out with a broach? I bought curved files thinking I might be able to do it that way, too.
 
are you sure his tang is curved.?..you can have quite a curved handle with a straight hidden tang just heading down a touch.
 
Dumb me, I missed the part where he was saying a hidden curved tang....not a through tang.


First you trace the tang on the handle block and draw straight lines as tangents and chords.
You start by drilling the chord holes, using the lines drawn on the block as guides. You may need to drill multiple holes, as the lines will dictate.
If necessary, "wiggle" the hole more curved to fit the arc, staying within the tangents. The hole on the guard end should end up rectangular, fitting the tang shape. Any excess void in the hole will be filled with epoxy, but try for a snug fit.

It sounds harder than it is to do. If the curve isn't very great, it is a simple process of drilling two holes on the side lines.
 
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Look at some of Nick's and others WIP threads and make sure that the tangs in questions aren't straight yet angled down as opposed to curved.
 
jdm61 said:
Look at some of Nick's and others WIP threads and make sure that the tangs in questions aren't straight yet angled down as opposed to curved.
Click to expand...

More and more I've been thinking that's what my confusion is. The handles I'm thinking of don't have holes in both ends, only the guard side -- so I was confused how to get a curved hole only working from one end. But it may be just as you say, that the tang is straight but angled.. which should be quite doable.
Thanks all, I will see what I can come up with!
 
Good morning brother.
Check out pages 12 & 14 of the Lorien/Wheeler thread HERE. Posts 226-229... your questions will be answered. ;)

Erin
 
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