Mother of Pearl with hidden pins?

[Travis Fry]

I know it CAN be done, but should it? I do hidden pins often with wood and epoxy and am satisfied with the results. Is there something about MOP that would make this a bad idea?

 

[Hengelo_77]

wouldn't it show?
Never done it myself but that's my first thought

 

[Don Hanson III]

If it works with wood, it'll work better with pearl. As pearl does not shrink, warp, swell, or move.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

My concern would be that pearl is normally very thon to start with. A hidden pin would only be slightly in the scale. I have had good results with .005" VHB 3M tape on MOP.

 

[Travis Fry]

Stacy, that's my concern as well. On the project I'm considering it for it'll be protected by damascus bolsters on both ends, so the pins just provide a littl extra shear strength. The part that really makes me nervous is that I'll be attaching the bolsters with hidden press fit pins as well, and JB Weld. I know DHIII does this, but I never have. It'll likely work, but it does cause me some doubts.

Don, I've asked before about your press fit damascus bolsters. I'll likely use stainless pins, and the bolsters are only about 1/8" at the thickest. I'm not sure it'll work, and I'm consequently not committed to the plan. If you have any tips or advice that can increase my odds of success, the overall package would benefit. If you dont think it'll work, I can use stainless and some thicker mammoth or African blackwood.

 

[Frank Niro]

I believe, too, that the pins will show shadows . Frank

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

I would dovetail the bolsters and use short pins for the scales so you don't run the risk of sanding into them or having shadows.