Mammoth cross cut stabilized block durability?

[shqxk]

Have anyone ever use the cross-cut block as a handle for hidden tang blade? I'm want to try it for 8" blade bowie but not sure if it will be strong enough.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

For a hidden tang I would not suggest it. It needs a strong backing like on a full tang or a pocket knife. Even then it has to be cut and worked carefully.

 

[Del Raso Knives]

A threaded through tang with a butt plate and pommel nut would keep it under compression, might be your safest option if you want to go hidden tang.

 

[Horsewright]

I've used lots of crosscut scales and had good luck with them. I'd be hesitant on your project. When I used the scales I would treat them like mammoth tooth and glue liners top and bottom for working, drilling, grinding. I had one large order of 11 knives for one customer where he supplied the ivory some of which was crosscut. He's not a particular fan of bolsters and I talked him into bolsters on the ones that had crosscut ivory. Its just more brittle. However, worked right it can make a very durable knife.

This one has seen lots of rough ranch use over the years. At our branding about three weeks ago. Horseback, roping, doctoring and groundwork.

This one got chawed on by the owner's new puppy. Handle was good, had to build a new sheath for her:

Some of the ones I wouldn't do with out a bolster. Hoss' steel.

Damasteel:

While fancy they've hunted around the world and are used.

 

[Mr Doyle]

Looks like your block has been stabilized with Raffir (the black stuff in the cracks). This makes for a really strong material, so no worries on the hidden tang. Also best to use a drill bit intended for metal rather than wood.

 

[shqxk]

T

I've used lots of crosscut scales and had good luck with them. I'd be hesitant on your project. When I used the scales I would treat them like mammoth tooth and glue liners top and bottom for working, drilling, grinding. I had one large order of 11 knives for one customer where he supplied the ivory some of which was crosscut. He's not a particular fan of bolsters and I talked him into bolsters on the ones that had crosscut ivory. Its just more brittle. However, worked right it can make a very durable knife.

This one has seen lots of rough ranch use over the years. At our branding about three weeks ago. Horseback, roping, doctoring and groundwork.

This one got chawed on by the owner's new puppy. Handle was good, had to build a new sheath for her:

Some of the ones I wouldn't do with out a bolster. Hoss' steel.

Damasteel:

While fancy they've hunted around the world and are used.

Some beautiful knives right there... great work!

 

[Horsewright]

T


Some beautiful knives right there... great work!

Thanks.

 

[coldsteelburns]

If the aesthetics of it being a solid and seamless handle block isn't the main concern but you're merely wanting to use the ivory on a hidden tang construction, there's always the option of doing a frame handle (even with added liners) on the hidden tang if you were still a bit worried about its strength when used alone.


~Paul
My Youtube Channel
... (Just some older videos of some knives I've made in the past)