Wooden handle/tang issues

Atlas Knife Company

Atlas Knife Company

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
3,668
I have a rounded tang, 1/4" x 1". I need to grind the edges back to flat. When I do, it will be roughly 3/4" wide. This is a little too narrow for the handle I was planning. My thought at this point is to dado out the tang side of the scales and surround the tang entirely with wood. Is this a good idea, or is the wood that much more likely to crack?
 
I have made many stick tang nives with 2 piece handles and there has been no problems just be sure and use pins as well as epoxy.

Bob
 
Alright, I filed down the edges. I'll be gluing the scales on as soon as I get to a band saw. I was happily amazed how quickly the file cuts the metal. It took maybe 10 minutes, I was expecting an hour. My hand really hurts now, though.

I removed these images, they were of the wrong knife.
 
Last edited:
Oooh, the type of steel. Yes, it's 303 Stainless. I posted a different thread with a poll about whether to scrap it or finish it, or turn it into a fish scaler. Interestingly, fish scaler garnered 6 votes out of 38, scrap it 20/38, and finish it only 12/38.

Hmmm, I posted the wrong picture previously. Oh well, I did the same with both knives. The other knife was titanium. It filed very nicely. I might even claim it was easier to file than the stainless.

knife.jpg
 
Here's an update with a different issue I am having on the same original knife of this thread. This is a small rounded bit next to the guard that I haven't filed off. If I try I will doubtlessly scuff the heck out of the guard. The rounded bit is on both sides of the tang, and is about 1/8" wide. Any ideas?
tang1.jpg

tang2.jpg
 
cover the guard with a piece of duct tape.
when you see that you're gouging the tape too much, peel it and put up a clean piece.
 
You need a safe-edged file, they can be bought but are not always easy to find. They can also be made by just grinding one edge of a regular file smooth. Put a layer or two of masking tape on the guard to keep it from getting scratches, the smooth edge of the file can still scratch bare steel but it won't cut through masking tape.
 
Last edited:
Sand the wood and everything down to the desired grit level??? I have always done 2 piece hidden tang knives... its just easier when you forge out scrap/oversize. That way I can peen all my pommels/but caps when red hot, and then just set the scales in latter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top