Re-handle question

O

odsixer

Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
18
Hi guys, I'm trying to re-handle an old kitchen knife, my problem is that I only have 1/4" pin stock but the holes in my tang are odd sizes(smaller)




So should I just get smaller pin stock or try to drill these holes bigger (pretty tough to do on a tempered blade).?

Thanks
 
I'd bet the handle/tang wasn't quenched like the blade was, and thus isn't as hard - from my experience anyway. Also, cobalt/carbide bits cost a little more but they work where standard high-speed steel bits won't.

Worst case you give up after dulling a few bits, then go with smaller pins. The handle will hide any boogers from failed drill-out attempts.
 
I'd just use smaller pins and make sure you spread the epoxy around well. If you keep the holes in the scales close to the pin size, then you can get a good friction fit against the tang while you do the glue up. Clap it tight and you should be good-to-go.

TedP
 
Buy a masonary bit with the carbide tip. I was able to drill several holes with one bit in the tangs of some Green River blades.
 
Thanks for the responses! I think i will go to home depot and get some smaller brass pin stock.

What grit should I sand down to when using maple scales?
 
Chuck your pin stock into your drill, and file it to size. Easy.
 
Don't go to home depot. Go to a welding supply store or even HF and get some brazing rod. For the price of one rod at home depot, you will have enough to make 100 knives.

With Maple, I go to 320 with dry paper, then I start to use tung oil and saturate the wood over several days. Once saturated, then wet (tung oil instead of water) sand with 400 wet, 600 wet, and then 800 wet paper. Polish with fine steel wool, and apply bees wax.
 
The tool for opening up tang holes is called a tapered reamer. Get one in carbide. Like all carbide, they are fragile, so clamp everything solidly,lubricate well, feed carefully.
http://www.texasknife.com/vcom/product_info.php?products_id=2281

The cheap way is to get a $10 50 piece box of diamond burrs from HF (they list at $19, but are nearly always on sale) and use the tapered cones and ball burrs to open up the holes. They don't last long, but are cheap. http://www.harborfreight.com/50-piece-diamond-mounted-point-set-36252.html
 
Well I picked up some 1/8" pin stock, I Epoxied it up today, I'll post a pic if I ever get it finished ;)
Thanks again for all the help.
 
I made a couple of rookie mistakes

1- Got a little carried away with dimpling the scales, as shown
2- I didn't sand the scales flat enough(I just used my bench top but I think I should've used a piece of granite or glass
 
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