Fixed Blade Knife Handle Preference - Hollow Pin, Solid Pin, or Removable Hardware - Poll

[sixplymaple]

Just for fun. What do you prefer on your fixed blade knives and why? Looks, feel, durability, reliability… whatever.

 

[BP_]

I put no preference because it really depends entirely on the knife design and it’s intended use. I would say I like them all for what I buy and use them for.

 

[Henry Beige]

The shape and comfort of the handle are important to me. Attachment, not so much.

 

[shane45-1911]

What is "removable hardware" ???

Do you mean like screws? If that is what you meant, then that is my vote. I like being able to clean/lubricate under the handle scales once in a while.

 

[RousingRabbles]

I put no preference because it really depends entirely on the knife design and it’s intended use. I would say I like them all for what I buy and use them for.

My thoughts exactly. If I'm purchasing a custom fixed blade, I'd prefer solid pins or hollow pins most likely. If I'm purchasing a manufactured one and scale swapping is a feature then removable hardware is just fine with me. I've heard some say they don't prefer removable scales because moisture can get trapped between the tang and the scales, but I have yet to encounter this problem.

 

[killgar]

Screws.

I was the kind of kid who liked to take things apart. And I never grew out of it.

I like having access to every speck of my knives. I don't like my knives "keeping secrets" from me.

I also modify just about every knife I own to better suit my preferences, and having full access makes that more doable.

For example, I have a fixed-blade with a true full-tang, and a thick full-tang. As a result the knife was handle-heavy, too much for my liking. So I took the handle off (screws) and with a bit of work I hollowed out a section of the tang near the butt-end of the knife. Now the balance is perfect.

 

[Bob Denman]

I like to take stuff apart.
Someday: I hope to be able to put all of them back together!

 

[sixplymaple]

Thanks for the answers guys. IMO it’s interesting data. I assumed more people would‘ve chosen removable hardware/screws, just based on functionality and scale swap-ability.

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

If it’s possible, I’d like to be able to remove the scales for reasons mentioned above.
‘If not, that’s fine with me, not really a consideration when I go for a fixed blade.

 

[Surname]

I would prefer removable hardware, but to be honest I never would have thought about it until you asked.

 

[ephsea]

Hollow pins, because it's easier to make a spear out of when I go all Lord of the Flies. Or, maybe it's just aesthetically pleasing to me.

 

[AntDog]

I chose hollow pins because that’s what my Busse and kin blades have and I like the looks.

The “moisture getting under the handle” thing is a non-issue IMO. I’ve never seen this happen even on stuff I have that’s well over 100+ years old. If the scales are epoxied/pinned to the tang it’s pretty much impossible. Also highly unlikely to hurt anything if the tang is coated. All that leaves is uncoated carbon steel tangs with removable hardware and I don’t see too many of those.

I do like screws for the option of changing handle material, but I’ve had some scales loosen and actually fall off in use.

 

[IronRidgeOutdoors]

Aesthetically, I dig solid pins, but for a working knife, I generally go with hollow. Aluminum in this case to shed a smidge of weight.

 

[G. Scott H.]

I'm in the removable camp as well, and for the same reasons: I like taking things apart and messing with them and it makes customization or modification easier.