I'm new to knife making and I decided to begin with a fixed blade kit. I was hoping some could explain to me the point of using pins to attach the handles if the handles are already attached with epoxy. And how do you attach the pins properly? Thank you for all the help.
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Pins?
- Thread starter clevedog
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- Jul 20, 2007
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Here is a good link http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6272440
Most pins will not fit into a hole of the same designation, so the hole either has to be drilled larger using a larger bit (eg: #30 for 1/8) or just quickly sand the pins. To drill the holes in the slabs, for a full tang knife, clamp one of the rough sawn slabs to the handle, then drill using the metal holes as a guide, flip the knife around and to the other side.
There is a debate over to peen or not to peen, some say that it actually fastens, but others say that it risks cracking the handle. Depends on who you ask.
Most pins will not fit into a hole of the same designation, so the hole either has to be drilled larger using a larger bit (eg: #30 for 1/8) or just quickly sand the pins. To drill the holes in the slabs, for a full tang knife, clamp one of the rough sawn slabs to the handle, then drill using the metal holes as a guide, flip the knife around and to the other side.
There is a debate over to peen or not to peen, some say that it actually fastens, but others say that it risks cracking the handle. Depends on who you ask.
Bill DeShivs
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Jun 6, 2000
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- 12,886
Oh, peening actually fastens! That's how knives were handled for a few hundred years before epoxy. BTW- epoxies have a limited life span before they let loose.
I believe the epoxy functions to keep the handle from pulling away from the tang on a full tang knife. The pins function to protect against shear forces such as might happen if a blade is dropped and lands on a corner of the handle.
Some makers use both epoxy and rivets or Corby Bolts as an extra level of insurance.
Some have tried using epoxy alone and while it sometimes holds, it is not reliable.
Rob!
Some makers use both epoxy and rivets or Corby Bolts as an extra level of insurance.
Some have tried using epoxy alone and while it sometimes holds, it is not reliable.
Rob!
Don't rely on glue alone. With time and repeated use chances are the bond will fail. Pins provide a mechanical fit which provides the strength. The epoxies serve as filler to keep out moisture and to fill the gaps between materials used in the handle.
When working with pins, fit things together before gluing. Peening really does hold it all together nice and tightly. Just peen lightly, too much makes things too tight and that when handles crack.
When working with pins, fit things together before gluing. Peening really does hold it all together nice and tightly. Just peen lightly, too much makes things too tight and that when handles crack.