To solder or not to solder

[BrentD]

I'm refitting some old Edge Brand 461 blades with new (and very different) handles. They will have a nickle bolster and wooden handles. But my question is simply should the bolsters be soldered to the tang prior to fitting the wood or can they be epoxied on at the same time as the rest of the handle? I like the latter options as my soldering skills are abysmal and I think it would make fitting the wood much easier, but what (if any) is the consensus?

Thanks,
Brent

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I feel all guards should be properly soldered on to make a seal. The alternate for guards is to use JB Weld to make the seal.

IIRC, on that knife, the "bolster" is just a stack of leather and metal washers, which are just slipped on behind the guard. If that is right, just put them on with epoxy when doing the rest of the handle and butt cap. Use slow set epoxy ( preferably 24 hour cure).