Pinning the blade...

[PaulN/KS]

So I am messing around with an old bayonet,turning it into a long blade knife,and was wondering about what was the most common pin material that folks would use for their knives?Now,I have made quite a few knives over the past 30 years+ and have used brass,copper,stnls.(for modern styles) and plain steel.I know that the cutler's rivets are late 1800's and my old Green River and other old commercial knives all have steel (iron?) pins. I'm thinking about using a couple of old cut nails for pins in the antler handle but thought I'd throw this question out and see what ya'll think.

 

[Harddog]

I think you are right on the mark with the steel or iron pins. Copper pins were sometimes used on originals, but The steel pins should provide for better hold over the long run.

Randy Hedden

 

[paulvallandigham]

I used nickel copper brazing rod I bought from a machine shop. No one is going to tell the difference between it and steel, but its softer, and I was able to peen it some to fill the hole tight. It also files easier than steel will.

 

[PaulN/KS]

Thanks for the input Gents.I am going to go with the copper since I have some heavy wire that will fit the existing holes in the tang.The old nails were too small.

 

The last knife I made I used pewter and poured the pins. I just counter sunk the hole on each side and poured the pewter, filed in smooth. It worked great.

 

[bob1961]

The last knife I made I used pewter and poured the pins. I just counter sunk the hole on each side and poured the pewter, filed in smooth. It worked great.

interesting idea, thanks :bow: :v ...........bob