Ways To Attach a Handle to Your Knife Blade

A perfectly attached handle is essential for the optimal performance of your knife, as well as for ensuring your safety and precision while using it. For those who appreciate the art of acquiring and maintaining their tools, it’s worth knowing and mastering the various ways to attach a handle to your knife blade. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each method so that you can pick the one that’s best for you.

Rivets and Pins: Tried and True Methods

One of the most traditional methods of attaching a handle is using rivets or pins. These metal rods hold the handle firmly in place by passing through holes drilled in the handle material and the tang of the knife blade. When fixing the handle with either rivets or pins, you can choose between different materials such as brass, stainless steel, or even mosaic pins for a touch of flair. To ensure a secure fit, the pins need to be slightly oversized and the holes accurately aligned. Once inserted, you can hammer the ends of the pins to lock the handle securely in place.

Hidden Tang Handles: Showcasing the Beauty of the Blade

Another popular method of attaching a handle to a knife blade involves using hidden tang handles. They are crafted as a single piece or multiple pieces of material, such as wood or synthetic resin, that clamp together around the blade’s tang. These handles are typically held together with epoxy, ensuring a sturdy bond. The use of a hidden tang handle requires preparation of the handle material by routing out the shape of the tang to fit snugly. Once the tang fits perfectly, you can glue the handle pieces together and fix them in place using either pins or hidden fastening methods for a seamless appearance.

Epoxy Resin: Versatility and Strength

For those who like a little creativity, epoxy resin offers the versatility and strength to create customized handles with unique designs. By using epoxy resin, you can mix various pigments, materials, or additives to create a one-of-a-kind handle to suit your aesthetics. To bond the handle to the knife blade, you can choose between just an epoxy resin or a combination of epoxy and pins, ensuring a strong and durable connection that lasts for an extended period.

Full-Tang Handle Scales: Maximum Durability

Finally, full-tang handle scales are an excellent option if you want to maximize the strength and durability of your knife handles. These handles involve attaching two separate scales, or pieces of material, to either side of the full tang. To attach the scales, you’ll need to drill holes that match those on the tang, then secure them using pins or screws. Then, use epoxy as an additional bonding agent to ensure a powerful and solid handle attachment, making your knife both comfortable and functional.

A Final Note

While most of these methods involve creating the handle yourself, you don’t always have to do that. You can also buy scales to attach to your blade. Here at The Knife Connection, we’ve made a name for ourselves as a trusted Great Eastern Cutlery dealer, but we also sell scales for just about any knife imaginable. Take the time today to find a set of scales that’ll work for your favorite knife.