The nuts and bolts of knifemaking

[golok]

Sometimes when I scrutinised a new knife, I can't helping noticing the little screws and pins.

There are so many different types. I am wondering if there's a significant difference if different screws and pins are used. Will these little things affect the performance of a blade, or a knife overall?

I know some of these coloured screws are designed and applied for aesthetic reasons. From the engineering point of view, where's the benefit?

 

[rev_jch]

Hardly any, unless you have someone who doesnt set a pin well, and it comes loose, or if you have a screw thats not of the best quality, and it comes loose and you have to loctitie it. Than you have some who will set "rosettes" into their screws, or pins. Much of it though, is appearance. I have to admit personally I prefer screws, Im always nervous when I set pins to make sure they're set properly (nothings more anoying than to have to drill a botched up pin out and start over! or a screw that gets stripped out, and you have to tap it and put a new one in, rarely happens though, especially since I do not have a smuch time to make knives like I use to!). Thres not a large, or much of a difference in screws. i prefer the torx as they are easier to remove, time and time again, versus philips heads or slotted that can be a little harder to maintain their good looks (after repeated applying and removing).

now pins made of different materials does make a difference though, brass will obviously break in quicker, nickel is a little harder, but will not be as strong as steel. Most all screws are either steel, or some alloy (zinc, ect.) that will inhibit corrosion.

hope this helps some, much of it comes down to asthetics, unless your comparing pins to screws.