Hidden Tang....(grrr)

[Michael_Schaap]

Hmmm...ok.....I have a SS tanto blade from TX that I'm working on. Its a hidden tang that I thought would be cool to try (my second knife attempt). Never thought it would be so hard to do....looks so simple in the book you know.... I drilled the holes and it actually was straight. Problems came about when I started filing the end that hits the blade (widening the holes out to fit the tang). There is a bit of space around the tang now....can I fill this with wood filler? I keep wondering if this is supposed to be easier then it is with me (hahahahaha).

Michael

 

[L6steel]

When you're ready to assemble the knife, put tape over the pin holes on one side and put the pins in the other side, just far enough in so they'll stay there. Clamp it in a vise and then mix up enough epoxy to fill the hole in the handle up to about 1/4" shy of the top. Then work the tang into the handle slowly moving it back and forth, this removes any air pockets. Once the blade is all the way in, start gently tapping the pins till they find the holes in the tang and then tap em on thru. You'll probably have to turn the blade a little till the pins find the holes. Oh yeah, sand the end of the pins into a point, that'll let them find the holes easier. After the pins are in, just let it sit there till it's good and dry. I always leave my knives blade down while drying. That way there won't be an air pocket at the front of the handle. Another Oh yeah, wear some gloves and have some rags handy.

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Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
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