If you are looking for a new set of scales for your pocket knife, there are a few different options. You can use stainless steel, bone, or wood. The most important thing is to ensure that your new set is securely bonded to your existing scales.
Wood
When choosing a pocket knife, a scaled handle is a great choice. Not only are they beautiful, but they also hold up well. You can choose from hundreds of different materials for your scales. If you want to add class to your knife, you might consider selecting some of the more exotic woods.
Wood is the most common material for a scaled handle. Oak, birch, maple, ebony, cherry and more are popular choices. These types of woods have a natural brown tone and are durable and resistant. They are also affordable.
Bone handles are also a popular option. Most bone used in knife handles comes from cattle shin bones. But, this kind of material is not always as sturdy as other types of scales. It is still a favorite among collectors.
Bone
If you’re building your own pocketknife you probably don’t have the luxury of a knife maker on call. This means that you are responsible for making and affixing the blade yourself. There is one glaring problem with the job, as it is highly prone to mishap and mishaps happen. To avoid this calamity you’ll have to do your own due diligence and the occasional sleuthing. The good news is, there are plenty of resources out there to help you do the job right. Fortunately, this article will highlight some of the more important elements to keep in mind.
Bone is not necessarily the best choice for your next pocketknife. On the other hand, metal – and not just in the guise of your favorite pair of scissors – is a worthy contender. For example, you might want to consider elk tusks or deer antler as handle material.
Stainless steel
If you are looking to get a new stainless steel scale on your pocket knife, there are several different types to choose from. Some are more durable than others, but all have important characteristics. These include wear resistance, rust resistance, and edge retention.
The Rockwell hardness test is used to measure the durability of a material. It will usually indicate how resistant the material is to sharpening. A high Rockwell number means that the material is brittle. However, some steel alloys can be hardened to a number that is as low as 65-67 HRC.
For example, BG-42 is a martensitic stainless high speed steel that has been designed to provide good corrosion resistance. It is often used in aerospace applications and can be forged and heat treated to a very high hardness.
Remove stubborn pins from tangs or scales
The tang is the unsharpened metal at the end of the blade. There are two main types: full tang and hidden tang.
Full tang is the more robust of the two. A full tang knife is solid steel from tip to tip, with bolsters to reinforce the handle. It can be difficult to make a folding knife with a full tang, and the weight of the blade is shifted to the rear, making for an awkward and potentially dangerous grip.
Hidden tang is a notch below the full tang in terms of strength. A hidden tang knife has a thin tang running through the handle. The handle may have a natural shape, or it may be curved. Some models boast a treaded or rod tang, a rat tail tang, or a combination.
Secure the scales
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to secure the scales on a pocket knife, there are several different methods you can use. Some of the options available are clamps, glue, rivets and mechanical fasteners. Choosing a method that works best for you is the key to securing the scales.
You will first need to remove the handle scale. This is typically attached to the tang on the handle. You can use tweezers or a toothpick to lift up the scale. Be sure to not apply too much pressure as this can push the scale off of the tang. Once you have the scales off of the tang, you can clean them of any debris or lodged materials.
Next, you’ll need to remove the male pivot screw and the two screws at the top of the scales. Then, you can reinstall the scales.