Unremoveable scales?

[XtianAus]

Do fixed scales on your fixed blades bother you?
Will rust under the scales ever become a problem if it is not/cannot be attended to?

*edit to add*, knives without epoxied scales

Share your thoughts

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

Do fixed scales on your fixed blades bother you?
Will rust under the scales ever become a problem if it is not/cannot be attended to?

Share your thoughts

Not at all! If the tang steel was properly cleaned & textured & pins & G-Flex epoxy used properly . You won’t have any issues for at least 100 years!

 

[DocJD]

Has not proved a problem for me , even on non-stainless ,very old , wood handled kitchen knives .

Maybe in salt water etc , might be a problem if handle wasn't sealed .

 

[XtianAus]

Not at all! If the tang steel was properly cleaned & textured & pins & G-Flex epoxy used properly . You won’t have any issues for at least 100 years!

Has not proved a problem for me , even on non-stainless ,very old , wood handled kitchen knives .

Maybe in salt water etc , might be a problem if handle wasn't sealed .

I should add, on knives that are fixed scales without epoxy

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

IMO Permanently attached scales should only be done if there is
1. Epoxy or
2. A blade coating or
3. The steel is stainless

While its possible to avoid rust if there is an absolutely air tight fitup between the scales and tang, the best practice is to avoid permanent scales unless the fall under the above categories.

When I was using permanent fasteners, I always used epoxy. Flared tubes + epoxy is as strong as it gets.

I vastly prefer removable scales now for many reasons, one of which is the ability to clean under the scales.

 

[XtianAus]

IMO Permanently attached scales should only be done if there is
1. Epoxy or
2. A blade coating or
3. The steel is stainless

While its possible to avoid rust if there is an absolutely air tight fitup between the scales and tang, the best practice is to avoid permanent scales unless the fall under the above categories.

When I was using permanent fasteners, I always used epoxy. Flared tubes + epoxy is as strong as it gets.

I vastly prefer removable scales now for many reasons, one of which is the ability to clean under the scales.

Specifically the knife I have in my own mind does not have epoxy but has a tight fit and is m390. But still, it can rust and I wonder if eventually will become a problem many years down the line.

 

[MolokaiRider]

I've had filet knives and kitchen knives rust out under the handle and break.

I prefer an epoxy to fill the gaps or removable scales.

 

[DocJD]

eventually

Depends on your use and maintenance .

I've read of sealing around the edges , but never done so myself .

But an imperfect seal might just make things worse .

 

[XtianAus]

I've had filet knives and kitchen knives rust out under the handle and break.

I prefer an epoxy to fill the gaps or removable scales.

The blade broke or the scales?

 

[Crag the Brewer]

All different kinds of reasons....
I prefer my fixed blades to be held with fasteners, & with epoxy. Fasteners hold the scales and the epoxy seals the scales to the tang. It's the strongerst, cleanest, most secure way. Best way to keep blood, guts, rust and Yuck out from getting underneath....


Choose what fits Your needs.

 

[MolokaiRider]

The blade broke or the scales?

The tangs rusted under the handle and broke, leaving the knife useless.

This is why I am wary of knives with slip over handles being used wet for extended periods.

Saying that, my SP Ontario knives, Cold Steel knives, and Kabar Dogs head have not shown much corrosion, likely due to the coating under the handles.

 

[DocJD]

coating under the handles.

Good point !

Some of those older coatings were easily scratched or worn off , but under the protective handles , should be fine .

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

I've had filet knives and kitchen knives rust out under the handle and break.

I prefer an epoxy to fill the gaps or removable scales.

How long did it take?

I've always thought the rust scare was over-hyped for most peoples uses... (people that don't live around saltwater, which I know you do).

 

[MolokaiRider]

How long did it take?

I've always thought the rust scare was over-hyped for most peoples uses... (people that don't live around saltwater, which I know you do).

Well the time it took for the ones that broke were after about ten years of abuse.

Meaning...used and put away wet. Sorta like what a non-knife person would experience.

I take much more care with my stuff nowadays. I used to carry a Delica in my waistband and the liners rusted pretty fast (months).

 

[Triple_D]

I'm not worried about it. I have a fixed blade knife with a stacked leather handle, that is 40+ years old. It seems fine. I mean, I'm sure rust could be a problem in some instances, but a little care goes a long way.

And besides, there is more than one fixed blade knife around here (just in case).

 

[thebrain]

Rust definitely happens between the scales and tang but I don't really worry about it. I would absolutely prefer epoxy under them myself. However there are tens of millions of kitchen knives in carbon steel with no epoxy and unstabilized natural wood scales that have survived decades upon decades of use without common failures. I have quite a few old hickory knives that are fine and I know many people that use the same carbon steel knives daily with no issues. I do get a bit paranoid about blood and such but the old timers didn't worry about it and they live to old age and left those knives to their grown children.

 

[toker]

Specifically the knife I have in my own mind does not have epoxy but has a tight fit and is m390. But still, it can rust and I wonder if eventually will become a problem many years down the line.

M390? I wouldn't even give it the slightest thought.

 

[ferider]

Specifically the knife I have in my own mind does not have epoxy but has a tight fit and is m390. But still, it can rust and I wonder if eventually will become a problem many years down the line.

I’ve seen several stainless steels rust, e.g. s30v, but wouldn’t worry about m390 rust under scales. With 20% Chrome, one if the most corrosion resistant knife steels.