Homemade Knife

[Kenneth Whiting]

I've been looking at the knife kits where you make the handles to give as Christmas presents with cutting boards. Then it occurred to me that I have no idea how to attach the handles. Is this explained in the kit or do I need to research it more before hurting someone with a knife that the handle won't stay on?

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Ken,

I don't have a clue if the kits tell you how to do it.

I know that on some knives given to me, I've used thick CA glue to reattach the handles when the wood came off the metal and I've used 5 minute epoxy. The only reason one or the other for me, was determined by what was handy at the time.

Some knife handles are riveted on.

[george wilson]

5 minute epoxy is more flexible than CA or slow curing epoxy. The problem is that the wood moves,especially when wet,and the blade doesn't. I'd get s few 1/4" or 3/16" masonry bits,run them at high speed,and drill holes for rivets,or peened brass rods. This is how I put on kitchen knife handles. Securely clamp the blades when drilling. Overheating the masonry bits melts the brazing,and the carbide falls off. It works fine if you are careful.

[Kenneth Whiting]

Guess I should have read the additional info a little better. It says assembly instructions are included with the kit. Thanks for the suggestions.