No-glue handle options (full tang)

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
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What options are there for putting handle slabs on a full tang knife without using glue/epoxy/etc.?

I need a handle that can be taken apart....but not be a pain (having to retighten screws, etc.)

The handle material will be micarta, G-10 or similar synthetic...
 
Dan,you really dont have any other options than the 2 you already mentioned.

That said here is a idea to ponder.Make 2 or 3 locking spring fullers that will slide on the handle and snap into place and can be easily removed by pushing them back off with finger pressure.If you are not sure what I am meaning,hop into my chat room thur. night and we can discuss it.

Bruce
 
Perhaps make the scales slide into slots in the tang and have then retained by a single buttcapp assembly that locks the scales forward? Easier said than done....my attempt would be to use allan head screws, two big ones, and then to attach an allan key to the lanyard...
 
TikTock said:
Perhaps make the scales slide into slots in the tang and have then retained by a single buttcapp assembly that locks the scales forward? Easier said than done....my attempt would be to use allan head screws, two big ones, and then to attach an allan key to the lanyard...
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you mean like dove tail them in and use a screw on butcap?
 
Yeah, dovetail them in and have them slide forward from the rear. When they seat full forward, have a butt cap that uses a single or two screws to pressure the scales forward. Would look sleek, no pins showing, and you could have the allan key for the butt cap on the lanyard or something like that. If I were smarter, I am sure something could be devised with a buttcap that takes no tools whatsoever.
 
TikTock said:
If I were smarter, I am sure something could be devised with a buttcap that takes no tools whatsoever.
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thats what im here for:D
use file work for useful grip on the butcap so you could realy tighten it down or take it off
butch
 
Sweet idea....dovetailed scales slide into full tang, buttcap threads itself and is grippy to allow tool-free takedown.

If I had a milling machine, I would be trying that!
 
You might want to angle front bolster for the handle/slabs front edge to slide under
 
no guard or buttplate on this handle....sorry...:(





Must say, I do like the magnet idea...



Bruce - I'll see if I can make the chatroom....



Brian - I'm leaning that way...and with the magnet idea as well. Seems like a good combo.


Ideally, if I use screws, I'd like to use flat head screws that I can recess nicely (not countersink). Suggestions?
 
I dont think the magnet would hold in any heavy use but be sure to use some sort of small locator pins so that the handles will stay lined up if you try magnets and no screws.
 
Daniel Koster said:
no guard or buttplate on this handle....sorry...:(



Ideally, if I use screws, I'd like to use flat head screws that I can recess nicely (not countersink). Suggestions?
Click to expand...
ok well you got to go and make it hard on me
i do think i might have some thing
just how thick is the tang going to be
butch
 
Locator pins and magnets is an interesting idea....but a magnet strong enough and small enoughwould be hard plus i bet it'd magnetize your blade which could be really annoying.....
 
Dan,here's a project I'm working on where I drilled and tapped a half full tang for a no glue option. It may not be exactly what you're looking for but it may stir up some ideas for you. This knife is similar to the Randall model 14 screw handle. I'm using four 10/32 flathead screws off set on each side instead of a screw and collar like the original. I milled a slot in the micarta for the tang to lay in with the tang extended. There will be finger grooves cut into the handle. BTW, this micarta is from the Baltimore Gas and Electric and is either 50 or 100 years old. It was used as an insulator.
Scott

screwhk.JPG


screwhk2.JPG
 
Why does it have to be a full tang? If you could make it a hidden tang, the problem would practically solve itself. Just use one roll pin to hold the handle on instead of a permanent pin/rivet. Along those lines, I like Razorback's idea. By making the handle material from one piece, you only need a way to hold the handle to the tang, rather than holding the handle scales to each other as well. Thus, it ends up working more like a hidden tang.

How about using roll pins instead of screws? You could knock them out with a nail and a rock if no access to real tools.
 
But why do you want a handle like that?
If we know what the use will be we might get better idea's.
 
I would avoid the rare earth magnets for this.....The power magnets you'd need would severly magnetize the blade. I have some 9000+ gauss ones and simply sticking them to a blade once permanently magnetizes the blade to the point that it can pick up other knives. Anything being used alot, or in dirt, or around metal, would constantly be pulling iron filings out of the ground and off anything you touch. I know because one of my blades does this and it is a nuisance.....what about something simple like hidden retaining pins and a very thick and powerful elastomer or bungee or spring type setup? Make it so the elastic or bungee passes through the tang pulling the scales towards each other. Once the hidden pins are set, you wont have any lateral movement, and normal use would never force the scales apart.
 
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