handle epoxy

[cooper33]

I'm new to knife making, But not new to using or knowing what I like in a knife. I've been attaching my handles with a high grade epoxy. I like the look of a handle with no pins or screws. Has anybody had problems doing it this way? Which epoxys are the best for this method?

Thanks

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

While the handle will look cool that way,sooner or later it will pop off.If it gets dropped ,and hits on the side or butt of the handle ,it will come off easily.Epoxy degrades somewhat with age,also.I had two dress boot knives that were made that way (before I knew better),when the scales come off one of them,I will rebuild them with pins.
Let me put it this way....would you drive a car that was only glued together (not that the way they build them now is much better) ? Mechanical fastening to avoid lateral shearing is the purpose of the pins/bolts.Try mosaic pins for a more stylish look.

 

[John Andrews]

Coop, I do the hidden pins and use Brownells Acra Glas. I don't like the looks of pins on a nice handle, usually.