When you do. Deer bones are a tad fragile. I put in a good dose of Devcon 2 ton epoxy, I know, not PC, but practical, Then insert a close fitting wood shaft as deep as the bone allows. I let it cure, then slot the grip with a cut off wheel in a bench grinder, and use a full wide tang as far back as the rawhide wrap covers. That is the first step in the making of the entire knife. Prepare the grip, fit and drill for the cross pins, then do the blade work. I insert two, or three in Jethro's case, steel cross pins, and epoxy the tang well when it comes time to permanently put it in place. The only knife I make that the tang is fitted to the grip, instead of vice-versa, but I figure that gives the max strength for such a grip, and with the rawhide wrap, the most vulnerable part to damage is the very butt end, and I believe it would take a lot of punishment before recieving any serious damage, although I warn every customer of the possibility. If you have any questions when you are ready to do one, feel free to call, or email me. One other thing, use whitetail deer rawhide if possible. It is thinner Than the rest, but more than adequate in strength. Goat is as thin, but has a tell tale texture. Doggy chews are too thick. Makes a bulky grip.
