Micarta and Loveless Bolts Source(?)

R

rlinger

Joined
Mar 29, 2002
Messages
4,591
Hi fellows,

Some time back I had a nice supply of Loveless bolts and enough micarta to hold me for a while. Now I am down to where I have to re-order and WOW am I suprised at the increase in price. My question please: where can I look for better pricing? I have been buying from knife supply outlets. I buy micarta in sheets of 5 X 12 inches to 15 X 12 inches and just cut out the tang profile. My source for Loveless bolts went from 45 cents per for quantity 50+ to 80 cents per. That doesn't sound like a lot of money if only making a knife or two here and there but when you make them in batches of 12 it turns the bottom line. Thanks.

rlinger
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Good Morning rlinger,I'm bringing this one btt . My supply of both is getting low too and a couple places out there are ridiculously priced for the standard micarta.
 
I just received a large order of bolts (Corby style,Pop's calls them 'handle screws') and micarta from Pop's. Pop's (James Poplin) and his wife are the nicest people, and their prices are tops.His bolts are $1.80 to $2.00 per PAIR of bolts. TKS charges more than that for just ONE bolt.He has a good selection of micarta,and he caries the bolts in a long and a short size, in 5/16,1/4,3/16. His fluted counterbore is first class and very inexpensive.
popsknives.com or call him 706-678-5409 (between 4PM and 8PM EST)
Stacy

PS: This is why I don't like Loveless bolts. Look at this nice knife...except the bolts.
http://www.friedson.org/knife1.jpg
 
You know Stacy, that is one thing I don't care for about the Loveless style screw too. If you'll notice quite a few of Bob's Knives do not show the small gap. I have wondered just lately if he ,prior to finishing the scales,didn't peen the screw to get away from that. Or he just got lucky on the orientation of the screw to the "nut". I still use them. They are ,along with the Corby & Hidden Bolt still one of the most secure ways to attach scales.You already know that I'm sure ;)
 
I have gotten them both from K& G supply in Lakeside, Az. They have always been reasonable and ship faster than most.

Pop's is also a good place for most anything I have dealt with him for.
 
Roger,
A few months back I researched all the sources I could and ended up at Sheffield Supply. The seemed to have the best selection as far as options for different screw/barrel materials went. I liked that:D . There prices were also very competitive with everyone elses, at least at that time. I bought a LOT so I haven't looked since.

Rick
 
As to the Corby Bolts that Pop's carries. What do you mean by long and short. What part is shortened. I'm curious, as I have to grind a lot of the heads down, land re slot before I use the Corby Bolts I'm getting. About the Loveless Bolts. The reason you don't see the tread gaps on a Loveless is that Loveless doesn't use the Loveless Bolt. He has no idea how what is being sold as the Loveless bolt got its name. What he uses is a completely different design. However on the non logo side, the real Loveless Bolts also show the thread. I used bolts sold by Bob Schrimsher years ago. (the first knife maker supplier, and long deceased), the like the Loveless Bolt, only showed the thread on the back side of the knife. The real Loveless Bolts, as used by Bob are very difficult to use because of the length. You have to know the exact depth needed before you start. I think the Corby style do a fine job, and allow a little room in judgment. Mike
 
I've thought for years that a knifemaker's co-op would have it's merits. A group of makers get together, find sources for certain supplies, buy in bulk and pull from that. It is do-able, just needs organization, possibly yearly fees...whatever. Pay the proper price without the markup.

It will take a lot of work in the beginning but may be worth it in the long run. Not trying to take business away from anyone but the darn thing just may work. One obstacle is getting everyone together to see just what should is needed.

Craig
 
Houseknives said:
Roger..Angus-Cambell has excellent prices on Micarta......Give Pop's a call for the screws...
Nathan
Click to expand...

I was quoted $88 shipped for one and a half sq.ft (6"x36") of .375 linen micarta from Angus Cambell.
Their price works out to about $58 per sq.ft shipped.

True grit sells sq.ft pieces for 38+shipping They will sell you a 48"x48" sheet of .375 micarta for $450 + shipping which shouldn't be more than $35, That works out to about to about $30 per sq.ft

I make my own loveless bolts. Look up Look up threaded standoffs on google. Right now I am using 1/4" dia. 6-24 brass standoffs. Then you just but stainless screws at the hardware store.
 
Do they make some like in Stacy's picture but with the solid part being larger around as compared to the smaller part so there is more to hold the wood ant the 2 holes are not so similar in size?
 
Terry, There is a pretty good shoulder on those rivets. I could not imagine one ever failing. I use the 5/16 most of the time. It is absolutely secure.
Stacy
 
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