handle pins

[chaos_customs]

i have a question about pins
is there different knids of pins because i have a few knives i bought and a couple of them have different pins then the others is there a certin kind of pin to use that is better then the others?
and is there a way i can make my own pins because there is no where to buy them in my area
any input would be appreciated i have about 6 knives that need handles

peace victor

[Ray Rogers]

Just about anything that looks like a pin can be used as a pin. Pins are commonly made from brass, nickle silver, and stainless. Sometimes copper or carbon steel is used. Whatever is the best match for the rest of the knife. Pin stock can be bought at any of the knife supply houses that you should already have catalogs for. Any hobby shop or welding shop, anywhere that metal rods are sold for any purpose is a potential source of pins........

[chaos_customs]

ok so you are telling me pins are basicly just piecies of steel rod i thought they where two parts a male part and a female part that joined in the middle
if not then could you explain how they dont fall out

[markd]

epoxy

[Drac]

I think your talking about bolts. There are several types of fasteners. Pins, bolts and rivet are the main categories I know of, but I've only been around a short time. There are several tutorials under the workshop link at the top of the page; I like this one for a good beginner?s one: http://www.knifenetwork.com/worksho...ner_hearn.shtml .

Also under the sermon for beginners thread at the top of the newbie?s forum has the best list of subject matter materials around, I'd go through these. It will help get you going.

Jim

[Jason Cutter]

Yup, its best to have a look at the tutorials. In short -

there are pins, which are rods of a suitaqble material than you can hammer on the ends to expand them slightly so they hold your handle material on. As mentioned by Ray.

And specialised bolts, which are screw-type parts that tighten and screw the handle material together. You can even make your own from standard hardware nuts and bolts, but specialty componets like the Loveless, Corby, Luke bolts are coomonly available from knife supply stores.

In response to MarkD's reply. I would suggest that epoxy (or any other adhesive) by itself is not adequate to hold a handle together. Glues are susceptible to environmental variations, and while the modern adhesives are very effective, the use of rivets, pins or bolts will give a handle that is a structurally much much stronger.

Many makers over the centuries have made handles only with rivets or pins, and no adhesives. Jason.