Solid pins or hollow tubes? counter sinking? on current WIP

IH8U

IH8U

Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Messages
779
I'm working on my version of a bushcrafter and I was hoping to get some opinions.

Should I counter sink the holes? The slabs are close to finished but not epoxied yet and I'm not set on the hollow brass tubes. Any thoughts on going with solid pins (I will have to buy some, recommendations?) or hollow tubes? I know brass tubes are not the classiest option, but it's all I have on hand. I put it together so I could start on the leather, but I still have the handle finishing options open.

It was the first time I shaped the slabs before epoxying them on and it seemed to work out a bit better for me as I'm still green and working on my processes.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Rob

bushie1.jpg


bushie3.jpg
 
Rob,

I'm not up on the bushcrafter style so I don't have much input, but the knife is looking nice and look forward to seeing it finished. I've got one in the works with my first thong tube and I've been wondering how you go about countersinking/flaring the tubes.
 
PJ, I'm with you. I have a counting sinking bit for the drill press, but have only tried it on a thong tube with wood handles. I ended up cracking the wood with the hole being so close to the butt and I had to take off the handles, so I'm a bit hesitant. The blade is still sitting on the work bench unfinished.

If I were to try again I would practice on some scrap before wrecking my slabs.
 
Hey. I love the knife. The tubes should add good strength. I'd just epoxy them in. No chance of them splitting that way.

Really good work bro.
 
Rob,

I have no knife-making experience, but have used quite a few. Re solid vs. hollow pins, if the knife is to be used, rather than just viewed, hollow pins would collect dirt and grime.
 
For lanyard holes I place ordinary pins and drill a hole from the center, then countersink the drilled hole. That way no pressure is involved on the scales...

BTW. Nice knife and great work on the handle. My opinion would be to place solid pins on the first three hole and keep the hollow one at the end as lanyard hole...
 
+1 on using pins and single lanyard tube! I can send you some .25" brass pin material if you need it.

Are you going to thin the handle slabs up near the ricasso. It's a little fat there for my taste. Just my $.02

Looks good, Rob!
 
clw3 said:
+1 on using pins and single lanyard tube! I can send you some .25" brass pin material if you need it.

Are you going to thin the handle slabs up near the ricasso. It's a little fat there for my taste. Just my $.02

Looks good, Rob!
Click to expand...

Appreciate the offer, but just I'll pick up some solid brass pins and see how it looks. There is still some work to be done to the handle before completion, I'll do a comparison to some of my customs and reform it a bit.

Thanks all for the compliments, suggestions and tips.
 
If you use the tubes, countersink and flare them, you won't be unhappy. Countersink very slowly and it shouldn't crack.
 
I dont like the thong tube.
I think some soild pins or maybe some mosaic pins would look good.
But I have never done that style of knife.
 
One hottest Knife Makers this year is known for his hollow tubes in his tactical. As for strength the tubes will prove plenty when it epoxied together.
 
You can countersink with a pocket knife. Then flare with a tapered punch. Just be tactful and gentle. It's very easy. You don't have to smash the tubing so hard that you split scales. You can even flare most tubing by hand. Put a tapered punch in a wooden handle and use hand pressure only.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top