good epoxy

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codeman2443

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Aug 14, 2014
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I have tried all kinds of epoxy but each one I try seems to break easy under pressure. do yall have any suggestions of what works for you. thanks
 
epoxy doesn't cure if it is cold. Something to keep in mind, give it a nice and warm place tu cure
 
codeman2443 said:
I have tried all kinds of epoxy but each one I try seems to break easy under pressure. do yall have any suggestions of what works for you. thanks
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It's good that you're testing it. I had an eye opener when I started testing epoxy.

The epoxy you can buy at the stores are no good. 5 minute epoxies are no good. Good epoxy can develop poor adhesion as it gets older, even if it is still setting up hard.

For me, Brownells Acraglas was the answer. But you have to measure it out extremely accurately and mix it with proper technique for four minutes, so it isn't particularly easy to use. But it solved the problem and it's all I use on knives. I still use other types of epoxy, but only for fixturing purposes. You wouldn't want to fixture with Acraglas, you'd never get your work free.

Surface prep is important. Oils, such as found on your fingers, and smooth shiny surfaces prevent good bonds.
 
BSI 15 and 30 minute epoxies work good and I really like JB weld.

JB weld is dark gray so it only works in certain applications
 
G flex is also a good epoxy to use. Aside from being clean and oil free, make sure your surfaces are roughed up to allow better adhesion. A few extra holes in your tang also helps to hold the scale on.
 
If you can glass bead blast the surfaces your bond strength will greatly increase no matter what epoxy you use.
 
I use G-Flex by west systems epoxy which many knife makers use. It will hold even better if you rough up your tang or use a Dremel tool with a reinforced fiberglass cutting wheel to cut slots in your tang in a kind of crosshatch pattern . A lot of knife makers just drill a bunch of extra holes in the tang which also gives tang heavy knives a little better balance and weight reduction. Lastly, use Corby Bolts or loveless bolts to fasten your scales to your blade and it will probably never come apart.

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