How many pins per full-tang handle?

[Matthew H]

I've seen two different kit daggers for sale at the one vendor. One is 7-1/2" OAL with a 3-1/2" long blade. There are 6 pinholes that are 1/8" diameter and (2) 1/4" holes for pins or bolts. The other is 10" overall length, 1/8" thickness with a 4-1/2" blade. It has (2) 3/16" pin holes and one's told to use 3/32" pins.

For a full-tang knife, how does one know how many pins (and corresponding holes to drill) ? Referncing the above, I find it curious that the longer knife would be using smaller dia. pinstock in the one case. Is there a formula of "blade length X then there needs to be Y pin holes ?"

 

[ERIK KNIVES]

Two pins, in my opinion, are needed on a full tang knife. After that, go crazy if you like, but it then becomes more about aesthetics or lack of. I prefer bolts to pins, or flared tube - but well fitted pins and good epoxy seem to satisfy most uses.

 

[Patrickknives]

Two would be the minimum, I dont like the idea of 3/32 pins in a 3/16 hole, typically they would be pretty close in size. If I am only using two pins I like to a bolt, the handle is 5 1/2 inch, seems a bit long for two 3/32. I would use two loveless style bolts, or cutler rivits. All the blades shown with two pins are rivits, or bolts.

 

[Matthew H]

Thanks for the responses. The flared tube - you mean just like in plumbing ?

 

[ERIK KNIVES]

It's like in plumbing. Instead of a straight tube hole the scales are countersunk at the same degree as your tube flaring dies. The tube is flared in a press making a mechanical fastener, like a peened pin, wide at the ends. Here's an explanation. http://usaknifemaker.com/tube-flaring-dies-for-fastening-handles.html