Handle Replacement

jeremy1517

jeremy1517

Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
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If I were to crack the Handle on my CAK, are they easily replaced? I figure since it is a full tanged blade, it would be shaping the handle and pinning it to the tang.... Or are there people who specialize in making the handles?

Thanks
 
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First off, how bad is the crack? Sometimes they are very easy to repair right on the knife with CA super glue) with wood dust rubbed in at the same time if a small diameter crack or epoxy if larger. The epoxy may require wood dust or a dye depending on the coloring you want.

Second, If you do want to replace the handles and are good with shaping wood, you can do it. The trick is that the tang isn't flat. It often tapers from front to back and top to bottom. You can either replace the wood as-is or sand/file/grind the tang down so it is more flat and then installing the scales (the two pieces of the handle material of your choice) becomes easier. It pays to use quality epoxy and I can't really recommend any of the consumer brands very strongly.

Here is a great write up on different glues and how they held up to affix scales to knives:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/337504-Glue-Wars-2

Acraglas from Brownells and Loctite E-120HP are my two favorite epoxies.

For the pins, you could use just about any material. I like brass but that is just a matter of taste - it is strong and will not rust. Many HI khukuris have aluminum pins and hold up just fine.


Do you have any photos of the crack?
 
This handle was repaired with CA on the knife:

1375201_200977043408791_783023987_n.jpg


The following is a full handle replacement to black canvas micarta.

1374188_201148666724962_1771912239_n.jpg
 
I love that grip! The crack isn't bad, yet. I'm going to superglue it. I more just pinches my hand after extended use. I don't have a picture at the moment. That's a great looking grip!
 
jeremy1517 said:
I love that grip! The crack isn't bad, yet. I'm going to superglue it. I more just pinches my hand after extended use. I don't have a picture at the moment. That's a great looking grip!
Click to expand...

Thank you Jeremy.

When you have time, post a photo or two and then let's talk what options can help. Using CA glue and then sanding can make a very nice fix. The trick is to sand and get the dust in with the glue then let it set. You then repeat if need be a few times until you get it just the way you want. Then start with 220-320 grit sand paper and go up to 1,000 grit at least. Sometimes I go even higher depending on the finish I want. You then want to apply something like tung oil if it is wood to help seal and protect it. If it is a horn handle, use hoof conditioner from your local farm store. Some guys use mineral oil and that works too. I use the hoof conditioner myself.
 
Will do, Hey Ronin, do you find your new grips more comfortable than the original style? Personally, I don't find the original design comfortable but I figure there is a purpose to the design.
 
The title of this thread is "Hande replacement." I thought to myself, "I don't think the HI warranty recovers the replacement of your hand if you lop it off by accident..."
 
just saw the title mess up... haha Don't know how to fix that....

I actually traded a knife for the CAK so I don't think the HI warrenty transfers. I hate posting this to the HI forum but you all are the experts!!
 
Yes, CA is Cyanoacrylate. It's a group of glues we tend to call "super glue" but there are different formulas.

Yes, I think my handles feel better. Sometimes the HI handles are fine other times the little rib on the handle just drives me nuts. It's really a matter of preference in the end. No doubt there is a more positive grip with the rib there but the big bell shaped end can help serve as a stop if your hand slips. I'm still experimenting and learning.
 
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