fulltang and carbon steel ?

P.K.Hansen

P.K.Hansen

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
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402
Maybe a stupid question, but I've never worked with carbon steel before.
I prefer to make fulltang knives, but wonder if that's a good idea when using carbon steel.
Won't the metal rust or get discolored around the handle ?
Is there something that can be done to prevent that ?
I've tried a seach, bit it didn't work.
 
you could try...

-a patina
-hot or cold blue
-acid etch

It shouldn't be too bad for this, as steel takes a while to rust, and you would have to hold it in your sleep.
 
Maybe I should try some coldblue - I've got plenty of that stuff :)
I think I'll just make one and try it for a while.
Thanks Keith :thumbup:
 
Yes, it will.
Constant use will make the exposed tang go black, but the constant wear will also avoid rust buildup and give it the nice patina of old, used knives. There's too much attention on shinyness on modern knives. Too much attention about how oine given steel can be mirror polished. Mirror polish is nice on a shelf knife, but won't last on a knife you use.
Moreover, as a personal opinion, too much shine gives the knife a cold essence, while a nice patina on a well used carbon steel blade and handle will give it a warm, lived-in look that I like much more.
 
its just character....if my exposed tang hasn't shown patina it aint getting used :)
 

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I believe it was in an article I read by P. J. Tomes, where he said he uses no epoxy to hold the handle scales in place, and just relys on the pins/rivets. He coats the underside of the handle material with beeswax before assembly, so the tang has a lifetime supply of rust protection. (may not last if you run it through the dishwasher all the time though.)

The other options are of course to glue the scales with epoxy in addition to the pins, so the sides of the tang are sealed from the elements.

Or, use a hidden or mortised tang so it's not exposed at all.
 
It will take a patina and become a bit dull colored with use. You don't get so much contact with the tang that occasional handling will make it pit with rust or anything. The exposed parts can be waxed or buffed and it will last years if it's just for show. If the knife will be used every day, the patina shouldn't bother anyone. You could also etch in FC or vinegar to darken it and slow oxidation.
 
I use epoxy to seal the wood to the tang (helps hold stuff together too, knife I made 20 years ago this way (O1 steel cocobolo scales) still doesn't have loose scales. I would imagine if I chip off the wood there will no be any rust under there either. YMMV but this works for me.

-Page
 
I'm not worried about the tang under the scales - just the visible part. But it seems I don't need to :)
 
I think about it like this.....who wants to look at a baby faced old man :) An old man needs wrinkles.....just like a used knife needs a few battle scars :thumbup:
 
For the machete I have, I coat the tang with layer of anti seize then put handle on. That stuff doesn't come off I'm telling ya, I accidentally smeared some on my bumper, and after two car wash it's still there. You can get a big bottle at any auto parts store for under $10.
 
Theyve made knives for hundreds of years before stainless came along. Just dont worry about it. Proper care of the knife should include cleaning and oiling after hard use.
 
I don't care much for shinny blade steel.

I've been making full tang carbon steel blades for many, many years with no problems. I actually prefer carbon steel and like a good patina or aged look.
 
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