Handle help for a noobie.

A

agita

Joined
Dec 4, 2009
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19
I am a blacksmith that is going to try my hand at my first knife. I've got my blank made quite nicely. Teardrop damascus, (birdseye whatever you want to call it), I've got the handle flat and cut my scales to match with enough room to work. What is the easiest way to go about getting the scales attached? I have mosaic pins (2), I've been told and read gunsmith's epoxy is best. Is there a cheaper alternative?

Should I put the pins in and then epoxy? Super locktite them later? Drill before or after the epoxy? Whats the best order of operation?


Materials: Steel, Burl ironwood, steel/brass pins,


Thanks
 
Try West Systems G-Flex epoxy. You can get it in smaller quantities.

Drill handle and scales before glue up. Finish the front of the scales before glue up. One size larger hole in the tang is ok and helps with alignment. Drill holes in scales and ream to size or sand your pins down to fit. Clamp scales firmly but not overly tight and squeeze all the glue out. Divots and hollows in th underside of the scales and extra holes in the tang aid in adhesion.


-Xander
 
Thanks, I will take your advice on the finishing before gluing. (the scales are roughly shaped now). I've read mixed advice for a while now. I drilled quite a bit of holes like how you would countersink a screw on the bottom.
Hopefully it will give me a good result. I don't know how long it will take, but when I get it finished I'll post a picture or two. I've already broke several scales.


Thanks for all yall's time.
 
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