procedure for attaching scales after cerakote

[jlosback]

Hi All,
Long time reader/first time poster. I haven't been able to find any commentary on getting a fixed blade full tang knife cerakoted. I'm curious to try it...I assume it'd be necessary to remove the coating by sanding down to bare metal before attaching handle scales...? Or is it good enough to just rough it up and then apply epoxy and scales?

If anyone has tried this specifically and has some insight, that'd be much appreciated.

thanks.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Scales should always be fastened mechanically-pins, screws, bolts.
Epoxy might hold. Mechanical fasteners WILL hold.

 

[jlosback]

Scales should always be fastened mechanically-pins, screws, bolts.
Epoxy might hold. Mechanical fasteners WILL hold.

Thanks, I am aware that mechanical fasteners are recommended (required). I've been using brass or stainless pins so far, sometimes peened, sometimes not depending on the scales.

I plan to continue using pins; however, I also want to get the most out of my epoxy. I'm leaning towards just having the coating company tape off the tang, so I'm still applying epoxy to bare steel. However, I'm curious if this is necessary as the cerakote seems to bond pretty impressively and seems super tough.