multi-material scales

johnnym

johnnym

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
170
I have a question for anyone that may have experience using multiple materials glued together for full tang handles, such as micarta,brass and burl. I recently made a couple of knives with these material combinations. The real concern is for the thin piece of brass that i used between the micarta and the burl since it cant be pinned to the handle.

After i epoxied the pieces together i milled 1/16"+ channels on the back of the slabs spanning all three materials. Then i epoxied a stainless pin in the channel to help hold them together. This was a bit of a hassle and i am wondering if it is really needed or if it is overkill. Does anyone have an opinion based on their experience doing this?

-John
 
I just drill several small holes in the thin spacers so the epoxy will flow through it and bind it in place.
Stan
 
SBuzek said:
I just drill several small holes in the thin spacers so the epoxy will flow through it and bind it in place.
Stan
Click to expand...
Stan I think he is referring to a spacer that is perpendicular to the tang, such as between a bolster and scale. I have not made a knife with this construction method, but from what I have read is just epoxy is enough as long as you rough up the smooth surfaces.


-Xander
 
SBuzek said:
I just drill several small holes in the thin spacers so the epoxy will flow through it and bind it in place.
Stan
Click to expand...
Stan I think he is referring to a spacer that is perpendicular to the tang, such as between a bolster and scale. I have not made a knife with this construction method, but from what I have read is just epoxy is enough as long as you rough up the smooth surfaces.


-Xander
 
Stan's answer addresses this.

The epoxy will flow through holes in this piece making "rods" of epoxy parallel to the tang, this and the epoxy between the other handle materials will certainly keep the thin brass spacer firmly in place.
 
fast14riot said:
Stan I think he is referring to a spacer that is perpendicular to the tang, such as between a bolster and scale. I have not made a knife with this construction method, but from what I have read is just epoxy is enough as long as you rough up the smooth surfaces.


-Xander
Click to expand...
Yep I knew what he was refering to,I have made several of these and found that just ruffing the spacer is not enough,they will come loose with use,had a couple do it. Since I started drilling the holes in the spacer I have not had any come loose.
As Shotgunner said it form small epoxy pins to hold it in,it is also necessary to clean the mating surfaces well so the epoxy will get a good hold.
Stan
 
Guys, thanks for the info and the quick response.

Stan, I will use the method that you described with my next knife.

Thank you,
-John
 
John
Another thing to watch is when you are shaping your handles the thin spacers will conduct heat down into the joint and loosen the epoxy bond if your not carefull.I usually use a rasp to remove most of the excees material then finish on the grinder or by hand with sandpaper.
Stan
 
ah, got it. sorry I thought you were referring to spacers parallel to the tang. I guess I better keep my newbie mouth shut next time! well atleast now I know how to better construct a handle of this type!


-Xander
 
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