How strong is the take-down tang?

I've had a couple of threaded thru tang knives in the past which failed, but they were brazed together, (threaded rod was brazed to the tang with brass) and that's where they failed. They were all factory made knives of reasonably decent quality. But nothing nearly so substantial as what I've seen posted on this forum or anywhere else by a custom maker.

Like Karl said, the longevity of a using knife has more to do with how well it's put together than how it's put together, imo.

I vastly prefer the feel and look of a one piece handle over that of a slabbed handle. Especially for chopping and stuff, due to the shock absorption and no chance of the steel standing proud and causing blisters.
 
lwrhea said:
Joe,
Karl and I discussed this on the phone so I dont think I'm running ahead.
Some use the Full Tang Construction as a standard of strength and I believe this is what Karl is addressing. Whether or not the take down feature compares or will hold up to the same usages.

I firmly believe that the take down can be as strong as a full tang. Why do I say that? Because I believe know what it takes to make it that way. There are pitfalls in making a take down or, as Joe discribed, the pinned and epoxied hidden tang. But, these pitfalls are merely another word for being sloppy. Sloppy with heat treat, sloppy with material choice, sloppy with joinery.

When the joints are tight, the lateral shock from chopping is transfered to a more linear direction parallel with the blade. In other words, tensil strength.
Click to expand...

Karl,
When you and I first started talking about a potential project, the only question I had about the strength of a take down like yours was what happens in light of the vibration created upon impact... And if I am understanding what Mr. Whrea is saying, your construction method shouldn't be affected by chopping.
I know the piece I am thinking of isn't a chopper, per se, but I do expect it to be able to hold up to at least emergency needs. And I think you have demonstrated beyond a doubt that the take down handle will work for the project I have in mind...

Now.. about that bow drill dimple... :D
 
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