Reattaching guard to a knife?

Nuke_Spook

Nuke_Spook

Joined
Oct 23, 2003
Messages
582
What is the best way to resecure a guard to a knife. The guard is still attached, it just has a lot of wiggle.

Thanks,
 
What kind of knife? Got a picture?
TIG welding is not an appropriate method, it's a very unconventional one.
 
If it were my knife, and I was able to remove the handle first, I'd solder it with a low melting point silver solder.


Stitchawl
 
Let me be more specific. What is the best way for a beginner with limited equipment (no welder) though solder might be an option, to resecure a guard to a knife? I actually have 3 knives with loose guards one with a brass half guard and two with full steel guards. Handle removal is not really an option.

Thanks,
 
Let me be more specific. Post pictures of the knives, so we can tell you specifically what to do.
 
Perhaps it might be helpful if I posted some pictures of the knives in question. :D

First is an old Westco
westco.jpg


westcoguard.jpg


Next are 2 old Pals. One with the original handle and the other with an antler handle.
Pals1.jpg


Palsguard1.jpg


FYI: The comment about being more specific was aimed at my poor communication in my initial post, not at anyone's reply.

Thanks for any assistance.
 
On the first and third knives, you can fashion a spacer out of fiber, plastic, hard leather, or similar. Cut it in the same basic shape as the handle-with the center cut out to fit over the tang, then cut a seam in the bottom portion of the spacer. Force it between the guard and the first spacer until it fits in place. When done, it should put enough pressure on the rear of the guard to take up the slack from shrinkage. If it does, then a drop or 2 of Super Glue will hold it in place. Once dry trim/grind/file it to shape.

You can try something similar on the rehandled knife, but it will show. Or, you can heat the blade just until the glue holding the handle breaks loose. Pull the handle off. Clean the blade tang of all old glue, fit the guard tightly, and use lead solder or silver bearing solder to hold the guard in place. A good soldering flux will be necessary. I use Stay Clean flux. Parts to be soldered should be sanded to bright metal and be very clean before soldering. Reglue the handle, and clamp with rubber bands around the guard until the epoxy has cured.
 
Maybe try using some clear, 2-part epoxy and let it seep into the cracks. It will act as a wedge when it hardens.
Wipe off access with WD40 before it hardens.
 
No, you need pressure to expand the handle against the guards. Epoxy alone will not do this.
 
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