Mosaic pins = What???

Iboschi

Iboschi

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
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Mosaic pins!!!They look great but, what are the pros and cons? Is a handle with mosaic pins weaker/stronger? Do they hold up as well as tubes/bolts? Thanks!!!
 
functionally they don't vary from any other straight through fastener, you can't peen them but most modern pinned handles aren't peened because the pins are merely to prevent shear forces acting on the epoxy. The do look cool though
 
They hold well, look good and are easy to work! i mainly use 'em for looks and to stabalize inserts from shifting ect.
 
They are for all intents and purposes just as strong as any other straight pin. Something like a peened pin or corby or Loveless bolts will be stronger as they not only prevent shearing but also exert a compression force to hold the scales in place in case of glue failure.

However, for most daily use knives, you won't have any problems whatsoever with straight pins and modern epoxies.

--nathan
 
They were novel in the 1970s. If you are going to put a pin in a handle, why not peen it so that the pin does the most that it can?
Far too many "knifemakers" rely on gimmicks like mosaic pins, filework, and exotic handle material to make their knives stand out. Unfortunately, these knives fit right in with what a lot of other people are doing. Embellishment does not make a quality knife.
 
I don't mean to speak for anyone, but I think Bill's point is that you should focus on the foundations of making a quality knife, as that will speak more for the piece than any file work, handle material, or mosaic pin. And I whole-heartedly agree. That's my take on the intention of the post, and, Bill, if I miss-read you....apologies.

I'm sure I know the type of knives you are referring to, but for certain pieces, a mosaic pin can pull things together very nicely, in my opinion. It can't make a knife good, but it can add a bit of elegance if the rest of the piece is put together well. As someone who uses both mosaic pins and exotic handle materials, I'm just squirming and hoping the above comment wasn't directed in my direction. I suspect not, but my ego is fragile. :D


--nathan
 
Nathan, from what I have seen of your knives (only pictures) they seem very functional and not over-appointed at all; more standing out for their simple, elegant design than their reliance on gimmick. I like a single fancy pin on a hidden tang knife, especially with a nice wood. I like Corbys best, though...
 
Nathan-
My post was not directed at you, or anyone in particular! Sorry if it appeared that way.
You did synopse my meaning well.
BTW- I'm not at all opposed to embellishment. After all, I'm an engraver-among other things. But I feel it almost necessary to point out to new makers that if you dress up a pig, you still have a pig. They should learn to make a fine knife first, then worry about embellishment. If the knife is good enough, they may actually decide it doesn't need embellishment. Of course, exotic handle material is not out of place on a custom knife. It IS a custom knife, and if the buyer wants a black, fileworked, sandblasted, kerambit with ivory scales and mosaic pins then that is what the customer gets. But remember-your NAME IS ON THE KNIFE, and it will be around for a long time. It is better to gently coax the buyer into a more classy solution.
My personal feeling about mosaic pins is that they are like rap music-simple, cheap, and not particularly entertaining. Not that I'm opinionated or anything......
 
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Not that I'm opinionated or anything......
Click to expand...

:D:D

You know what they say about opinions.... They're like armpits. Everyone has them and they all smell. My pits, however, apparently smell very similar to yours. :D Ok, well, that was just gross.

Oh, and thank you for the compliment, Salem. I appreciate it.

--nathan
 
My question was more meant to determine if they are weaker than solid pins or tubes. I like how they look but I'm more concerned with function over form. If they lose function, I'm not interested. From the responses here, they're just as functional for all intents and purposes.
 
No, they are not as functional as properly peened pins. They do nothing to hold the scales to the tang, they only provide shear resistance-and not as much resistance as solid pins. But, if you like them, go for it!
 
If you do decide to use them, I would just make sure to make the epoxy bond very solid. Mix the (good quality) epoxy well, get the ratio right, get full coverage, clamp well, make sure the parts fit up well in the first place, rough the tang and scales and or liner up very well, degrease everything, or even drill holes all over the tang for maximum hold. Maybe make a knife with straight pins and destruction test it to see if it works for you. My $.02, anyway.
 
Tangentially speaking...

Does anyone know if corby bolts can be sourced in silicon bronze? If not do you know anyone who could mill them?

Hope this isn't what's considered a high jack?! :o

Thanks, Phil
 
Phil,

Shoot an email to Tracy at USAKnifemaker. I know the stainless and brass corby bolts they stock are custom made for them. So maybe he could get you some more info.

--nathan
 
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