Mule Team: Dowels for Handle Attahment?

C

cm_bushman

Joined
Oct 22, 2012
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314
I am planning to handle my incoming Mule MT17 in cocobolo and I was going to attach the scales with epoxy and small Ebony dowels in lieu of pins, since I like the look and I have it on hand. Is this sufficient as far as an attachment method goes? I know Corby bolts would likely be stronger in absolute terms, but both ebony and cocobolo are very hard, tough, and stable woods so I don't think there would be any major shrinkage/expansion issues or a severe lack of strength with either. I am just uncertain as I've not seen many knives with this setup and am hesitant to slap this together just to have it develop some sort of problem down the line. Thanks in advance guys.
 
I think you'll be fine, as it is my understanding that pins help the scales from shearing off. I've seen bamboo pins and wood pins before at gunshows. With the epoxy and pins you'll be fine. Drill small dimples in the scales for the epoxy to fill in. This acts as tiny epoxy bridges that would also help.
 
Thank you, I'll try some rough sanding in the center of the scales for the epoxy. This opens up whole new horizons as far as handle attachment goes.
 
You should be fine with the mix of epoxy and ebony pins, assuming you are sanding/dimpling as stated above. This won't be a real hard-use application as far as the handle slabs are concerned.
 
I would try to use a hard backing on your sanding block. This will keep the pins and scale material from eroding at a different rate - and prevent unevenness. Otherwise, this will provide a really cool look to your knife!

TedP
 
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