Do I need pins?

[Peter Milner]

Thanks. Great thread, I printed the whole thing for the shop.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Could someone explain how, for a hidden tang knife (i.e., not "scales") in anything approaching normal or even extreme use, force could be applied in such a way that would be sufficient to overcome a modern slow-set epoxy, but would be insufficient to overcome a 1/16th" pin?

I have been told repeatedly that a pin is better than epoxy alone, and I have used a pin in all but one of the knives I have made, but I have a hard time seeing how that pin could resist a force that would overcome the epoxy and I have an even harder time imagining what that force might be.

Roger

My only response to that (and I'm reaching) is that epoxy has been known to "just let go". This is 90% due to improper preparation and substandard adhesives, but it does happen. We see it in our everyday lives, kitchen utensil handles, kid's toys, BBQ tools, etc. There is a stigma (wrongfully so) that glue is prone to failure.

When epoxy is used properly and in the right application, there should be no need for pins.

Rick

 

[P. McKinley]

I haven't read this whole thread but....

If the addition of a pin(or not) is a purely aesthetic choice, then I don't see this as an issue.... do what you want and trust the adhesive holds. I imagine epoxy-only handles have held up just fine over the test of time

However, if the pin can provide an additional or redundant level of strength(security) and aesthetics is not an concern.... then again, I don't see any issue..... pin it.

Epoxy alone should hold?? Take the "should" out of the process. Build it so you KNOW it ain't coming apart.





** hehehehe.... look at me telling Roger and Rick how a knife should be built!**

 

[rev_jch]

Depends on the blade, and use of the knife. Sometimes I just use epoxy. Other times I use just pins. Sometimes I use both.

Sometimes, if I make a hidden tang that needs little more security, I also use a single pin near the bolster area.

 

[schmittie]

Wow guys, I really thought this was just a simple question. Little did I know there was so much to it. But everyone has been really helpful so far. I think for the fun of it, I'm just going to pin my full tang knife with scales and not the hidden tang. I'll give 'em both hell and keep you posted as to what happens.

I'm a union carpenter by trade who specializes in flooring and we use different kinds of epoxy on a regular basis. So far, in the last decade I've not seen epoxy ever create an issue because of failure, other than and inferior product or a lousy install.

But I really appreciate everyone's opinions! You guys are sharp.