What size pin stock for rehandling an old hickory knife?

M

MarsHillPicker

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Apr 23, 2017
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I've searched and not yet found a definitive answer. I am looking for what size hole is in the tang of a new or old , old hickory brand knife.I have epoxied the scales on and used the original cutlery rivets, but was just not satisfied. I like peened pins in my knives. I have several I plan to put new scales on, but very few tools. Basically only what I use to shape the wood and cut the pins. If anyone has this info it would be much appreciated. I know the pin size/ tang hole doesn't matter tremendously,but I like a good fit on my pins in the tang as well as the scales. I will gladly post before and after pics for you all if I can find the right size pin stock to buy! Thanks in advance.
 
Dial calipers are fairly cheap.
Mine measure an installed and peened pin at .300"
Sorry, that's all the help I can offer.
 
Searching 'old hickory rehandle' on Google (Images) led me to one site with a description of a rehandle project (Old Hickory cleaver), with the poster estimating the pin hole size as somewhere around 5/32". In that example (linked below), he used 3/16" pins and drilled out the holes slightly to accommodate the larger pins. I have no idea if 5/32" is standard for all Old Hickory knives, but it's a clue.

http://www.thetruthaboutknives.com/...old-hickory-cleaver-or-any-other-old-hickory/

Lacking that, if you have access to a set of drill bits, they could be used as gauges for estimating the diameter of the holes in the tang, if you already have the knives on hand. Take the old handles off and see which drill bit fits best in the pin holes.


David
 
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I appreciate the replies! I hadn't even considered using drill bits to check the size, that was a "duhhh moment" as soon as I read it lol. I ordered some 5/32" and was sent 3/16" by mistake. The 3/16" was just a tad too big so I'm gonna say 5/32" is probably going to fit pretty tight, but should fit. I have ordered the correct size and will be sure to report back with my findings for future reference as well as pics of the finished product to enjoy. I did a turn or 2 on my belt sander with the 3/16" rod and got it to fit snugly, though I'm waiting for the 5/32" to be sure of the size...plus I'm a bit of a selective perfectionist and this is one of my quirks lol. Thanks again for the very informative replies!
 
I drilled new holes and used hidden pins because I changed the shape of the handle. The existing holes were not in the places that I wanted. I did have to anneal the tang to drill the holes.

To anneal the tang, I suspended the blade in a bucket of water to preserve the temper. I used a propane torch to heat the areas that I wanted to drill, then let it cool on its own.

Ric
 
Phydeaux said:
I drilled new holes and used hidden pins because I changed the shape of the handle. The existing holes were not in the places that I wanted. I did have to anneal the tang to drill the holes.

To anneal the tang, I suspended the blade in a bucket of water to preserve the temper. I used a propane torch to heat the areas that I wanted to drill, then let it cool on its own.

Ric
Click to expand...
I had wondered about this. I wonder how long(or to what temp) you heated each hole? Did you just let it cool on its own and attempt to drill repeatedly until you were successful? I would love to see the final product as well, if it is viewable somewhere. ..
 
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