Free blade. What to do?

[Barrett8383]

I got this blade because the original kit was faulty that I ordered. Where should I go with this project? I obviously have to make my own tang now. Can I make it outbid regular steel?

[Ray Rogers]

Assuming that's a carbon steel blade you can weld a mild steel rod (allthread or whatever) on there. I don't think I'd try to make it into a full tang, you'd just have trouble with the guard...

[Barrett8383]

I was thinking possibly hidden tang. Whether I use threaded rod or a solid tang with bolsters is still what Im pondering

[Anthony Chaney]

I'm thinking Ray has a killer idea with the all thread, but instead of welding, how about peening it on?

[Barrett8383]

Sorry for my lack of knowledge (im a 17 year old aspiring knifmaker). What is peening?

[NJStricker]

Originally Posted by Barrett8383

Sorry for my lack of knowledge (im a 17 year old aspiring knifmaker). What is peening?

Basically, tapping the metal with a hammer until it flares. To peen it, you would need to have a tang that has an inset about the same size and shape of what you have left of the tang on your blade. You'd likely have to shape the stub. You match the pieces together, then tap the stub to flare it. You end up with a tight friction fit.

[Barrett8383]

Tell me if I am wrong, but I have experience welding and my brother is a professional welder. If I was to find a piece of steel to use to make a hidden tang with bolsters, would it be better than all thread? I have another one with all thread coming so Im open to any ideas

[Barrett8383]

Also sorry about the terrible photo. It was taken from my Iphone and I had to crop alotttt to make it compatible to the website

[Barrett8383]

This was the original before it broke. http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/produc...oducts_id=1703

They are sending me a replacement

[NJStricker]

Welding will probably be simpler than trying to fit a tang and peen. Probably stronger in the long run. Just make sure to put the blade in water to use as a heat sink so you don't ruin the temper of the blade.

I would stick with the guard you have and go with the all-thread. Fix the current problem before you try and invent new ones.

[Barrett8383]

Originally Posted by NJStricker

Welding will probably be simpler than trying to fit a tang and peen. Probably stronger in the long run. Just make sure to put the blade in water to use as a heat sink so you don't ruin the temper of the blade.

I would stick with the guard you have and go with the all-thread. Fix the current problem before you try and invent new ones.

Thanks for the input. The first knife was stacked leather and I think that might have been my problem. I did it right with compression and epoxy but I believe the all thread was just weak from the attachment to the blade. Not sure what material I will use but I am going to get creative!

[NJStricker]

If you are concerned about the strength there, you might try welding a narrow piece of flat stock for your tang instead of the all-thread. Then, attempt a mortised tang. Like I mention above, this will present a whole new set of challenges for you.

Many of the makers on here will tell you--sometimes there just comes a point when you need to walk away from a project. You'll be getting a replacement blade for the one that broke on you. Concentrate on that one, do one knife at a time, then when you have time to give it your full concentration go back to the broken blade. We all have a bucket of "learning opportunities" somewhere in our shop.

[Barrett8383]

These are my first two knives but ill make it work. I've grown up on my grandfathers farm and learned to make stuff work. Ill go at it with the welder and make my own tang

[Barrett8383]

I'm obviously not an expert but I have some all thread. I could make a hidden tang out of that and also drill it for bolsters. I believe it should be strong enough

[Barrett8383]

I slotted the all thread to make my tang. I am going to Tig weld it tomorrow.