Doh! I did a bone head move today!

B

bjalongi

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
Messages
640
Well, I've been working on a nice hidden tang drop point hunter with a really nice deer crown handle. I'm a little pressed for time, because my wife and I are leaving for Mexico tonight, so I wanted to have it glued up and ready to shape when I return before Christmas.

When I quenched the blade, I specifically didn't submerge the tang, so I could drill it out later for the pin. BUT, I forgot to check the hardness of the tang before gluing it up, so I could try to soften it with a torch if need be. When I went to drill the hole for the pin the bit couldn't get through the tang. It hardly made a mark.

I think I'll just try to match the pins on each side for looks since I already have a hole drilled on one side, and just keep it around for my own use. It was going to be a Christmas gift, but I don't want to send any knives out that have the potential to fail, even if I'm not selling it. I have time to make another blade for this person before christmas, perhaps it will take until New Years, though, since I'm also forging letter openers for all the non-knife lovers in the family.

This was probably the nicest blade I've made to date, too.

Dangit! :grumpy:

BJ
 
A carbide cutter in your dremel tool will put a hole in your tang pretty quickly. Certainly no need to half ass it at this point. If the carbide cutter didn't work (IT WILL) you could still put the knife in the oven at 225 degrees for about 15 mins. This will break the epoxy bond, and you can remove the scales, spot anneal and reattach.
Matt Doyle
 
I always try to keep at least one straight flute carbide drill bit for drilling hardened steel on hand, the work great, but they are not cheap. They are perfect for exactly the situation you have.
Thanks,
Del
 
Can you put a handle on it that does not use a pin but rather threaded at the pommel or pinned at the end where it may be softer?
 
Get a set of Rodman Drill bits. I use them on hardened tangs all the time. I saw them at a trade show 4 years ago and bought a set. They demo them by drilling through hardened files, bearings, etc. I love them and never have to worry about not being able to get through a piece of hardened steel with a drill bit.
 
Hey same thing here... I am rushing to finish a blade for my dad's xmas gift and I quenched the blade tonight. THe blade fell on its side in the quench pan and I think it bent slightly. After putting it in the oven at 400 degrees to temper, I immediately put it in the vise which I am 99% sure wont do a damn thing. Its not a bad bend. I can only notice it when I lay the blade on the table and when I reverse sides I can see the difference... but it really annoys me because I wanted it to be best to date for his knife.
 
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