Custom Made Knives

[jvan]

Over the years I have purchased several customs, both fixed and folders. When I am looking at fixed blades I am a fan of simple ,plain handles, the fewer pins the better.

This leads me to a question I guess for makers or those in the know, are multiple pins in a handle necessary or the makers idea of a decorative effect. I just don't like a busy looking handle.

 

[HwangJino]

Im sure most makers would want the least amount of pins.

Pins cost money and im sure extra pins doesn't equal extra income.

Im also fairly sure if you are asking for custom knife you could ask for less pins as long as handle didnt need it.

 

[PURPLEDC]

Pins arent necessary at all. At the very least making them visible it isnt necessary. I dont think there is any set reason of why you see some knives with less or more except for the fact of what the maker envisions before he starts a build. They do serve a functional purpose but modern methods make them less of a need. Some makers like to pay homage to the knives of the past and I feel they use them as a way of tipping the hat to those pieces, or simply just a matter of how they know how to do things.

 

[genewiseman]

Most of the time, pins are just glued in and the epoxy is what actually holds the scales on. In my opinion, at least 2 pins are needed to hold the scales in place. I don't know how to say it but without at least 2 pins it would be like concrete without rebar for reinforcement. I am sure someone else can explain it better but you need a couple of pins anyhow. At least that is my opinion.

 

[Akcir]

Most of the time, pins are just glued in and the epoxy is what actually holds the scales on. In my opinion, at least 2 pins are needed to hold the scales in place. I don't know how to say it but without at least 2 pins it would be like concrete without rebar for reinforcement. I am sure someone else can explain it better but you need a couple of pins anyhow. At least that is my opinion.

Agree with this. I compare it to dowels on a butt joint in woodwork. The glue holds it together, but the dowels (pins) give the joint some shear strength reinforcement.

 

[1066vik]

in a hidden tang knife, 1 pin is enough but for slab scales you need 2 corbys, bolts, pins or tubes (or one each) for shear strength.

 

[eisman]

Pins arent necessary at all.

Not true. Building slipjoints without pins is rather difficult. And I'd rather have pins than screws on my knives.