Pins and handle strength

Steven Roos

Steven Roos

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
Messages
4,131
Ever since I got my new Trace Rinaldi Enigma I haven't been able to put it down. In fact, I am carrying it now! :D

While I was looking at it today, I realized how much I liked the pins. They aren't really "pins" though, they are actually tubes, and for some reason I really like the look of them on this knife. However, I got to wondering, are the tubes significantly weaker than a solid pin? What about a mosaic pin? Even if there is a diiference, will it even matter?
 
I'm not a professional knifemaker -- but I sure like collecting them! :) I would guess that it really wouldn't make a lick of difference. Not only does it have four different pieces preventing lateral shift, it probably has two-ton epoxy holding the slabs on. I'd say it's as strong as anything. Just my .02.
 
Really not much difference. If anything, the tubing material would, to me anyway, seem to be a little stronger, if only because of the extra surface for epoxy to bind to.
 
Steven those handle scales aint going anywhere..
Only way to get em off is to grind em off..;)
The 1/8" and 1/4" stainless steel tubing is very strong, while being light, and I think pretty nice looking..
 
Originally posted by Trace Rinaldi
Steven those handle scales aint going anywhere..
Only way to get em off is to grind em off..;)
The 1/8" and 1/4" stainless steel tubing is very strong, while being light, and I think pretty nice looking..
Click to expand...

I figured as much. Just wondering because I'd like to use stainless tubing on one of my projects sometime.

BTW, what epoxy do you use?
 
I've used 1/4" and 3/8" tubing on almost all of my knives so far. I like the look and the fact that you can lash the knife to whatever you want. The thing to remember is the only bond is the epoxy, there is no "mechanical bond" like if you used rivets or screws, so in that repect they are "weaker" but if 2 ton epoxy won't hold, then nothing will. I think it's plenty strong.
 
I've used stainless steel tubes as pins with mixed results. Sure heats up fast and makes me worry about loosening the epoxy. Plus it wears down the belts more than brass. (am I whining, now?) So, I've stuck to brass except for knives intended for the kitchen.

Maybe I'm just lazy...:rolleyes:
 
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