Hidden tang method

That is what is called a Mortise tange handle.It is used quite allot on knives.I would like to make a couple of suggestions about it though.They used carpenters glue to attach the 2 halves back together,please use a epoxy or one of the industrial strength glues as this is a weak joint if no pins are used as they did.Next always pin this style handle and dont trust the glue trust the pins....

When done properly the line is almost not visiable,but as long as no gaps are showing it is still acceptable on the handle,you just want it straight and centered to the blade.

Bruce
 
well what are some techniques on having a hidden tang with out that line. i would assume that it wouldn't be as demanded as a seamless handle
 
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Is that threaded? Sorry but i dont like the threaded tangs. Those are some very nice blades just not my style. Thanks for the help though. I especially like the third one down.
 
Yep a through tang is one way to do it....That is a hole drilled all the way through a block or piece of handle material then a buttcap or just a nut added to the end to tighten the handle after adding adhesives or not,or the tang can just be peened over against a buttcap to secure it....

You can make a hidden tang by making a hole the size of the tang that goes part way (over half way through) the handle then adding your choice oc adhesive then drill a pin hole through the handle material and tang then peen that to hold the handle on,most common on small hunting knives and stag gandles.

You can make a framed handle,tutorial on this on my website.

You can just make a full tang knife and add the scales in the manner you choose to it.

Bruce
 
Thanks, do you know of any other tutorials on all the different types? The main types that is. Not a big fan of scales either. I like teh idea of a through tang but one that is peened on with no threads or anything like that. I'm a bit of an oldfashioned smith. I'd like to bring back the old techniques used to make actual swords and knives and daggers of antiquity
 
A peened tang is simple....Look at the above pictures and instead of the tang nut just bring the tang out through the hole in the buttcap and then secure the blade safely and start peening the tang as you would the handle pins untill you get the handle as tight as you want it....Basicaly Smash the crap outta it and stop just before you crack the handle,then file smooth if you want.simple enough,You just cant take it back apart to straigten things up so get it all lined up the first time:D

No I havent seen any tutorials lately on this,but I bet someone has one.

Bruce
 
You'd think with the searching power of google you'd be able to find a tutorial on how to make a peened tang knife, but NO. Hahaha man.
 
A few of the guys on here have made lists with links to just about every knife tutorial available on the web,try and find one of them and they may have what your looking for.Some of the old books show this method also.
Bruce
 
Caden_Vekk said:
....... with no threads or anything like that. I'm a bit of an old fashioned smith. I'd like to bring back the old techniques ................
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The threaded "take-down" assembly is from the middle 1800s used a lot on English knives!
That's pretty "old fashioned'!
 
Another way to do a hidden tang without mortising it is to drill a hole 4/5 into the handle material (use a block) that's the same diameter as the thickness of the stock, then use a broach tool such as this:

http://www.riversidemachine.net/item561596.ctlg

to cut out the front and rear of the tang. Roughen the tang, use 2hr Epoxy to glue it together. If you use a non-stainless steel and the tang is annealed, you can drill the handle after the glue dries and glue in a pin.

Hope this helps.
 
this tutorial is for a stacked leather handle, but the tang on it is peened, and the peening process is covered pretty well here.

It helped me with my first peened tang, the only advice I'd give having done a few since, is to go slow & methodically - working each side equaly, and not leave too much tang stiking out of the buttcap/handle.. I'd suggest around 5mm max. (Not sure about that in Inches)

if you leave to much material to be peened, it might bend & straightening it out can be a nightmare, if it doesn't break:)
 
Thanks Flatgrinder

Did not know that kbaknife, though, in my head, that's still a relatively "new" method. Even though i can't completely represent the medieval smiths i'd like to try as much as possible
 
Caden_Vekk said:
http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_hiddentang1.htm

how many of you use this method while making your hidden tang knives? and if you do, can't you see the line where you cut the block down the center on your finished product?
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I do motised tang knives but I do it because I leave the tang quite wide usually around 1/2" to 9/16" wide. The difference is I also place a pair of handle bolts through the tang.

I don't use wood I use micarta and it has layers of fabric in it that show up a light colored lines so any seam is naturally camoflaged.
 
just to throw a spanner in the works: Doesnt the length of the 'tang' pin coupled with its elasticity make it incredibly difficult to make it 'bite' and hold the handle tight? ie. when you "hammer the crap outta it" it springs down and when the impact is gone it extends up again... Hope you understand what I'm trying to say here!?
 
langchop,yes that could be a factor,but you just need to keep peening until the handle is tight.You can actually peen it so tight that it will crack or break the handle material.The buttcap holds the flared part of the tang thus drawing it tight to the handle.
Bruce
 
Langchop,The hidden tang with a pin through the side is the easiest to me,just drill and shape the hole,glue the handle on,drill another hole and slip a pin in,peen it,shape the handle to fit the knife...HE HE HE we all have our favorite way of putting on a handle.
Good Luck guys,
Bruce
 
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