Tang Handles

[JaredM]

Hello Everyone,
Wanted to pop in and say hello. I have a question about tang handles. Specifically deer handles. I am a complete rookie when it comes to this and I know not to start without doing a whole lot of research. So, that is what I'm doing. I'm interested in making a drop point skinner out of 01. It would be stock removal, not forged. Is there someplace on here or the web that I could look to see how tang knives are put together. How do you cut into the material to get the tang in? I'm a woodworker, so I have a decent supply of tools, and it really wouldn't take much for me to make some knives. I really just want to try and have fun doing it. I have made a marking knife for dovetails that I cut out of an edger blade. Didn't heat treat, but for what it does, I'm very happy with it. I hope I haven't rambled on too much, sometimes I just get going.

Thanks, I hope to be around here for a while. Someday, I might be able to contribute.

Jared

 

[Fiddleback]

Basically small drill bits and files is how its done. Use a drill bit that is smaller than the thickness of the tang and drill holes close together until you have the width of the tang. Then connect the holes with files, or dremmels, or whatever you have that will get down in there.

 

[stephanfowler]

historically they were also burnt in, but that's a really hard way to go......

I would try the files myself

 

[Tommegow]

Here is a tutorial that is about making a full tang knife, Its a place to start
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372833&highlight=60-minute&

 

[JoshTKnives]

here is a link to some of the best info i have found! surf around the site, it is great!!
http://www.engnath.com/public/manframe.htm


peace
jt

 

[rocketmann]

try these out. http://www.engnath.com/public/handles.htm http://www.knives.com/engnath_handles.html

 

[JoshTKnives]

look under the drilling tab on the left side! i think that is what you are looking for!

 

[sharpeknives]

The above are good methods. You can also sharpen the tang(point), soak the antler in a bucket of watter for about 4 days. This will soften the inside then just drive the antler onto the tang. The antler will shrink as it dries and adhere to the tang. I did a primitive bowie this way for a friend in CO. after several hunting seasons the handle was still sucure.You can also drill a hole threw the antler and tang after the handle is on and add a pin.

 

[JaredM]

Thanks for the help. That link is really good, wish it had some pictures though. It definitely gives me something to work with. If ya'll have any more thoughts or suggestions, I've got big ears.