first time knife build

[medic83]

hello all,I have ordered a few blades from TOW as well as scales and had a question. When using the brass pins to hold the handles,do the brass pins need to be the same diameter as the holes in the handle of the blade (I ordered some brass pins but they are way to small for the holes in the handle as i did'nt know how big they were). second question,do you peen the end of the pin and then finish your handle or finish it and then secure it.any help would be appreciated(pictures would be handy to ) thanks all.

 

[kbaknife]

No, the pins can be undersized. When using epoxy for the final assembly, the epoxy will fill the void between the pin and the hole.
Another thing you can do is "Undercut" the hole in the scales on the tang side of the scale to sort of create an internal epoxy "rivet" that goes through the tang from scale hole to scale hole. Make sense?
Make sure both tang and scale mating surfaces are rough to GRAB the epoxy.
Clamp loosly so as not to squeeze out all of the epoxy.
Protect your blade with tape.
Finish the front end of your scales COMPLETELY before final assembly so no work is necessary in that location increasing the probability of damaging your blade.

 

[Flint311]

kbaknife, do you anneal the pins also? I usually do, so I don't have to hammer as hard (possibly ruining your scales). Just found they swell better. Just thought I'd ask. I usually use deer antler or bear leg bones, but works the same with the pins. Thanks.