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Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
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unpinned, slab sided handle epoxy?
- Thread starter ron_m80
- Start date
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 37,974
Mechanical fasteners and epoxy are the best method. Corby bolts and epoxy are the most secure.
If using only adhesive, surface preparation is essential. Rough up both surfaces at 100 grit, clean with alcohol, use slow cure (24 hour) structural grade epoxy. Don't clamp hard. Use just enough pressure to hold the scales in place. Too much pressure will squeeze out all the resin. There care many brands, but the most common are West System and System Three. Many knife supply companies carry a epoxy made especially for handles.
Another excellent method of attaching scales with no pins or mechanical fasteners is using the 3-M VHB tapes. These come in thinness for .001" to .030". I found that the .005 to .015 worked well. They mount marble and granite slabs to walls with these tapes. Once allowed to fully cure for a few days to a week, the bond is super strong.
If using only adhesive, surface preparation is essential. Rough up both surfaces at 100 grit, clean with alcohol, use slow cure (24 hour) structural grade epoxy. Don't clamp hard. Use just enough pressure to hold the scales in place. Too much pressure will squeeze out all the resin. There care many brands, but the most common are West System and System Three. Many knife supply companies carry a epoxy made especially for handles.
Another excellent method of attaching scales with no pins or mechanical fasteners is using the 3-M VHB tapes. These come in thinness for .001" to .030". I found that the .005 to .015 worked well. They mount marble and granite slabs to walls with these tapes. Once allowed to fully cure for a few days to a week, the bond is super strong.
A.McPherson
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2012
- Messages
- 2,873
You could also use hidden pins...
I would do hidden pins if possible, or dimple the inner handle surface and fuller the tang to get more epoxy connection. I use JB Kwik Weld, rough everything up with 36-40 grit belts and have used it to install Wa handles and frame style hidden tang handles with no pins. I am unable to remove a Wa handle installed in this manner, even by hammering on it, without destroying the handle.