Thread: Collarless pins and horn

Originally Posted by jfk742

Ok guys, I think I got er done.

When I first saw a heljestrand mk31 with ivory scales I was in love. IMO they are the most well shaped scales. To look at them is one thing, but to touch them, to hold them in your hand.... So sweet! Unfortunately they cost a newborn for one in good shape. Anyways it should be apparent that is the look I went for.

So after three practice tries on a finished set of scales(don't do that, I'm just a glutton for punishment), I'm satisfied.

What I learned:
If you think the pin is too long, it is, file it until it's right, don't hit it until it "fits". You end up with a bent pin... Duh.

Hit the pin, a lot, but not hard, it will bend the pin

Hit the pin everywhere except on the center of it. When you flip it over and tap the otherside it will flatten it for you. If you hit it in the center it will flatten too much and look like poo, just like a big fat roundish silver poo.

Patience, lots of it. Just like every aspect of this hobby, you need it in spades.

Lastly, thank you so much for freely sharing your experience!


I feel like the pins should hold great as long as the horn doesn't delaminate or cup.

One more thing about lead wedges. You seasoned guys may have already discovered this. After pinning the wedge end I used a toenail clipper to cut off the excess then a file to get it close, then finished it off with sand paper backed with a piece of wood. There were still a couple little gaps where lead and scales didn't perfectly mate. As I was on the buffer trying to get the gloss back onto the edges I decided to buff the wedge perpendicular to the wheel. The wheel pushed the lead into the gaps and and now it looks perfect. Anyways hope this helps someone struggling with that same problem.

Now that my friend is a beautiful pinning job!!!!!!

According to the last of the knife makers in Sheffield, " A champher of the hole makes pinning of fragile materials easier."
Stan Shaw, Master Cutler: The Story of a Sheffield Craftsman
Stan Shaw, Master Cutler: The Story of a Sheffield Craftsman book | 1 available editions | Alibris Books
A darn good book to have on your shelf and read often!

~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

According to the last of the knife makers in Sheffield, " A champher of the hole makes pinning of fragile materials easier."
Stan Shaw, Master Cutler: The Story of a Sheffield Craftsman
Stan Shaw, Master Cutler: The Story of a Sheffield Craftsman book | 1 available editions | Alibris Books
A darn good book to have on your shelf and read often!

~Richard

Thank you Richard. When I clicked on the link, I bought the one for $33 unless they had more than one. The others were too much. The most expenxsive one which is new, is right down the highway from me about 15 miles in Richmond, TX & they're crazy!!!!!