Thread: Any fix for a broken tang?

Sorry to hear about the damage.

Personally, I would advise against trying to solder that broken bit. Most lead-based solders don't really grab onto steel as well as they grab onto the non-ferrous metals like copper and brass. In any case, a lead-based solder is just going to be too weak to form a reliable bond on such a small, butt-joined break.

Brazing might successfully join the broken ends, but because of the higher temperature required for this I fear that you would succeed in overheating the steel and ruining the temper.

What might work to save the razor would be to carefully cut two cheek pieces of sheet brass (or even stainless steel) the length of the tang and sister them on either side of the join using a good quality epoxy. Don't forget to shape the cheek pieces properly and drill out the holes on either side for that rear pivot pin. You will want to clamp this up carefully while the epoxy is setting. If you do decide to try this, don't use a five-minute epoxy. Choose, instead for a long set epoxy (24-hour setting variety) which will give better strength. This is not an ideal solution, since you end up with a thicker tang, but that seems a reasonable trade-off. Of course, with only about a quarter inch of steel tang coming off the rear of the blade, this might still be something of a questionable join, but better than anything else I can think of in this situation.

If you come up with anything let me know...

Hmm... this has me pondering as I do my laundry. I am really intrigued by this...

It could be rewelded, but that brings on other problems.

See if you have either a gunsmith or a blacksmith in your area, or perhaps a custom knife smith, these people should be able to weld and re temper the blade.

Cheers

Heelerau

I think I would drill into the broken pieces with a cobalt bit at a slow speed using a lot of cutting oil. Insert a metal pin and epoxy the ends together using the metal rod to strengthen it.
This is a kind of pinning used when modeling. I've never tried this with a razor and the hardened steel will be a bastard to drill.

here is another thought. sorry for poor drawings.

Originally Posted by Undream

here is another thought. sorry for poor drawings.

Good illustration, Brad! That's what I think would be the best, most secure method. Definitely an advanced project, but it could be a lot of fun!