Bolsters on a Full Tang Knife | Knifemaking

[@RedBeardOps]

How do yall attach bolsters on your full tang knives?!

[@nolanst29]

Red Beard Ops I’ve silver soldered then before. Also done pins and glue like you’ve done here. Man that tumbler is a great idea! Super cool. Did you do a vid on the making of that?

[@RedBeardOps]

@@nolanst29 Thanks man. I do! Here it is - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqfdiGqQi6yaaaM

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Good job man. I use a tapered reamer for mounting bolsters with pins. They are pressed on. Here’s a vid from my channel on the whole process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqmTYqihjrBkj6M

[@RedBeardOps]

@@TonySeverioKnives Hey Tony, thanks for these tips.

[@pr0faker]

few tips that might help: I would tape up that blade when you are grinding on the handle, That can ruin a blade real fast, even though chance is not that high its a small step to keep it in good order. If you want to polish that bolster with a buffer, also tape up the blade because you will get streaks otherwise. For best results I would sand the bolster front ends before glueing them on the knife to at least 1000 grit, but better is 2000. After you done the front, you can attach them and when handsanding the handle you can finish the side parts of it. Buff it, then finish it with a brass/copper polish or something to really get it to a mirror finish.

[@jamesfishlipsie]

I've been making knives for 11-12yrs. now and this is about the same as I do it. Your very good at what you do. Thank you for taking the time to put this vid out there.

[@RedBeardOps]

That is awesome! Thanks James!

[@courtneesdad]

I like the flat grind

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Meeeee too

[@jameswilkes3186]

I meant to say I really like your work and videos. You are a true craftsman and a terrific teacher.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much James! I appreciate your praise greatly!

[@leewescott9883]

Well done! Looks great and thanks for taking the time to take us along for the ride!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Lee, thanks for your comment! I'm having fun doing it!

[@T_L_D]

This looks great, and honestly I think the brushed finish on the bolster matches the aesthetic of the etched and tumbled blade finish. A mirror finish there would be somewhat incongruous I think. Fantastic job.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man good point, really appreciate your feedback! Hand sanding brass can be tough. Lots of J-hooks. Maybe a more fine surface conditioning belt is in order. I think the blue one I have is fine and they make one even finer.

[@heikolang335]

I fully agree!

[@bhein67]

Those mosaic pins are an excellent touch. Yes, a buffer is a must for the brass. It really polishes the stabilized woods too! Cheers from Canada

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Cheers from Texas!

[@glenpaul3606]

I've made half a dozen knives with brass or aluminum bolsters like that. In each case I sanded to 2000 grit then buffed handle and bolster with compound to get a high polish. They all look great !

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip Glen!

[@TalonsKrafts]

I really like your rock turning jig! That’s awesome! I really like how the finish turned out.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you like it! Cheers!

[@syukurhidayat5359]

Very beautiful knife....

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much!

[@firemansteve829]

I've played around building a few knives from pre ground /heat treated blanks with pretty good results. I would like to step up to making knives from scratch. I'll admit, your work is inspiring.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, thanks Steve! Really happy you're enjoying it! It's a great craft for sure. Hope your knives go well! 🙌

[@firemansteve829]

What are the kind of clamps are you using ?

[@Ironsteve2711]

My first and only bolster I just glued and pushed the brass rods through, no peening. After sanding you couldn’t see the brass pins, they just blended in. Love your knife

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for sharing your experience sir. And thanks for the praise! I really appreciate your comment.

[@willw7595]

You did very good job for a first time. Looks very good.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much!

[@ronhagelstein5701]

Great looking knife... I like the satin finish on the brass and pins

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks!

[@Jim-fr3gr]

I like the look of your pins on that bolster.Good job your finish looked good.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Jim, thanks man. I really appreciate your comment! I like them too.

[@novicesurvivalists4359]

Beauty bud. Regardless of the bolsters.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@25centsapop]

That is a beautiful knife. Jeez. Amazing work

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much!

[@griffithshandmade-knives]

That turned out great J. We tend to be the most critical of our own work, but I’d say that’s a pretty perfect EDC fixed blade that anyone should be happy to have hang on their belt. 👌👊👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, I really appreciate that! I hate to say it but I'm tempted to destroy this knife just to see how well the bolsters are on there... for science! It would be a painful endeavor though...

[@griffithshandmade-knives]

Red Beard Ops don’t do it, your average knife owner would never put it through such torture as to test the sheer strength of the epoxy and peened pins. You’d end up taking a chisel to separate them and on the third whack you’d be like, “what am I doing, this was a good knife!” 🤦‍♂️

[@RedBeardOps]

@@griffithshandmade-knives Lol, i think you're right! ... would end up being a painful endeavor.. Thank you sir

[@LucasVieites]

Wow, what a great idea for a rock tumbler! I've been trying to figure out how to make one for occasional use, and your setup will definitely serve as an inspiration. Thank you.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers

[@simonrimington3231]

Great video. Love the subtle humour

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fahadalsayer9120]

Beautiful work! That finish is much nicer than a shiny one.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed the video. The finish has grown on me too!

[@applevalleyknifeshop4242]

Very nice build!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much Michael!

[@daveintheshed4870]

That came out great, very pro I like the tumbled look. Nice work!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Dave! Really appreciate the praise. I like the look with the brass and stone washed too.

[@MrCremonese9addi]

How come i didnt see your channel before? Your videos are very informative, to-the-point, inspiring and full of ideas. And separate kudos for video and sound editing.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a million man! I'm constantly working on upping my editing and video quality. Don't go back too far or you'll be disappointed! Hope to see ya around the comment section.

[@curtispoppenberg7349]

Nicely done! Yes, buffer with green rouge will rock the brass.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@danielbeaver8215]

I’m impressed with how good you get your angles without a jig. Very nice. I have to use a jig. 😆

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Daniel! Cheers man

[@Aleeknives]

You have officially inspired me to try this again. Thank you, I really enjoy your videos

[@N.M.E.]

What i recently found is that some polishing compound just heated with a lighter and spread out on the back side of a thin piece of leather works fantastic for quick hand polishing!! (Just some of the green wax-like bar thingie)

[@RedBeardOps]

Very cool! Thank you for the tip sir.

[@tomlee7966]

great looking little knife

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a million Tom! Glad you liked it

[@MnPfan]

One thing I like to do is bevel the front of the bolster pieces to 45° before attaching them and you can use cloth backed belt, turned upside down and loaded with compound as a way to polish the brass. Great looking knife like always

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip!

[@andylewisbushcraft38]

Absolutely spectacular knife, I actually prefer this brushed finish on the bolster, than a really shiney finish. Great work. Subscribed!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a million Andy! Glad you enjoyed this one. I think it came out pretty darn good too. Have a great weekend!

[@FarawayForge]

Super clean man, love it 👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Thanks for watching too. Means a lot to hear your feedback.

[@FarawayForge]

@@RedBeardOps Keep up the good work, I watch every vid, last one was a banger for sure

[@RedBeardOps]

Faraway Forge I appreciate that! It sure was... have a good one!

[@dr.k_6016]

I wish I had thought of your trick--using a drill bit as a locating pin, when you drill the second bolster hole. That's pretty slick. I'm totally adding that to my techniques. If those buggers are off by the smalles fraction, good luck getting anything to fit and not look like junk! Cool vid. Really enjoyed it.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!

[@francoisvermaak1764]

Sweet looking blade. It would make a very nice deer dressing knife.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! I foresee a few deer in it's future.

[@francoisvermaak1764]

@@RedBeardOps Bow Hunter?

[@pierrerousseau8770]

that is one beautiful knife

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much, sir! Have a great day!

[@keeyanzimmerman2959]

Hey J. Brand new knife maker here. Have you noticed heat treating prior to bevel grinding wearing on your belts more? In my mind, grinding the steel while it is soft would be less wear on the belt, but I really have no clue. Thanks for your videos. My first couple knives were pretty successful thanks to your help! I’ve watched several other knife makers for assistance but I really dig your process.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the videos. I do think the softer steel will grind easier. To this point I've done it both ways and to me it depends on the style knife I'm working on. If it's a super thin chefs knife or a basic 1/8'' skinner I'll just knock off the corners (so like a 1/4'' bevel) pre heat treatment. If it's a thick bowie, I'll go further.

[@DuaneT64]

Looks really good man....when i do brass bolsters i put a slight angel maybe 2 degrees on the bolster where it go's to the handle and that same angle on the handle "flipped of course" so it meets nice and tight so you don't have to use the g10 to make it tight...........Thumbs Up

[@RedBeardOps]

Very clever sir! Thank you for your tips and your praise. This one was out of my comfort zone for sure. Cheers man.

[@garybower1824]

Beautiful job. I've been scared to try a brass bolster but you make it look easy.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much sir! Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@mannsdan]

thank you! very helpful video!

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers man, thanks for watching!

[@davidberrien9711]

If you want the bolster to shine, try "Simichrome" polish. It contains cerium oxide abrasive and some sort of acid (oleic, I believe), but it will take that brush finish to mirror in a minute, even by hand. You can find it in motorcycle shops, (and maybe auto parts stores). It is phenomenal on brass and aluminum. It's a little pricey, at $15 or so per tube, but a little goes a long way. Mirror finish. Almost instantly.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip David!

[@42icee]

Grind, shape and polish the bolsters to near complete before permanently fixing them to the blade. Your finish on the blade looks good. Thanks for the video

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir and thanks for watching!

[@edwinmcnew4389]

That’s a keeper! Nice job!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Beautifully crafted!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Really happy you liked this one. One of my favorites for sure.

[@AaronJohnson1979]

Just keep doing it the way you're doing it I like it, I have a buffer that i really don't like. It will scratch the brass if there's any dust or contaminated with anything besides the compound. You just can't beat hand finished look that you got there. Great job

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much sir! Glad you liked it! I really appreciate your comment.

[@tedgibson656]

Great video! Amazing job.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a million Ted!

[@lucasferraric]

very nice job dude!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much Lucas!

[@NRiggiKnives]

Great looking for your first attempt. I pretty much follow a similar method the handful of bolsters that I have finished. As you mentioned I do hit everything on a buffer when coming to completion.

[@RedBeardOps]

Nice! Thanks man... Sounds like I need to pick up a little variable speed buffer for handle work. Have a good one!

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Well done... I don't even like bolsters... but you did a great job here...

[@RedBeardOps]

Hah, thanks Alexander! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@davidscadlock5569]

Very Nnnice!! I’m a newbie so it will l be a while b4 I attempt bolsters. But I’ll come back to watch this. Thank you for the great job you do on your videos!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey David, Really appreciate your comment! Means a lot to me to hear your feedback. Good luck on your future builds!

[@JoeDebono]

I watched this to learn what a bolster is.

[@RedBeardOps]

Lol, thank you sir! Hope I didn't disappoint.

[@Lucas-nf7uj]

Ha, same here

[@colebaker1702]

nice

[@glenpaul3606]

You could use a Dremel with small buffer wheel and compound to polish the brass bolster.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip Glen!

[@donnelson4770]

I just purchased a Jet Buffer with a VFD and went to the Combat Buffing Wheels. With it would you’ll make that brass VERY shiny. It also is great for handles and blades alike. Good luck!

[@RedBeardOps]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@anthonystrunk5360]

Beautiful knife man.. bolsters look great..

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Anthony! Really appreciate that. This was a fun one for me for sure. Thanks for your comment.

[@fernandobalina8787]

Una hermosura de cuchillo... buena colo!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

¡muchas gracias!

[@luckyknives1904]

Great videos, and your passion for knifemaking really shows. I usually use scotch brite belts on my bolsters and guards, regardless of the material they are made of. You can get a very nice finish on them this way.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Those belts are awesome!

[@timetestedtools]

Nice job and I agree the brushed brass looks good. If you want a higher shine, brass is pretty easy to polish up with some 3000 grit wet paper. A buffer is still the easiest/best however. A deburring wheel will get you pretty close as well.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Sounds like I need some higher grit paper and maybe a small buffer! I think I'd want a VFD on my buffer.... they freak me out a little...

[@timetestedtools]

@@RedBeardOps for something like this, get one for the drill to start. It will be a bit slower, but it'll work. Brass is pretty easy to polish up.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@timetestedtools Awesome, I'll look into this for sure. Thank you for the recommendation, sir.

[@CKKnifeandTool]

Pretty knife. I like the brushed finish and the scales... great choice of wood. I’ve not seen anyone use JB Weld though vs. soldering the bolsters but I haven’t watched a ton of videos on the process.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers sir! Glad you liked it. I got that tip from Dave Ferry, the guy is a legend if you haven't checked him out.

[@richarddenny1333]

That looks gorgeous

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much, sir! Glad you enjoyed this video and I really appreciate your comment.

[@traviswolfe952]

Beautiful knife, I love your videos. I use a buffer with green chrome 600 grit rouge. Nothing finer is needed in my opinion for a mirror polish on brass. I also agree the satin finish looks best on this particular knife.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Travis! I need to get me a buffer. Have a great weekend sir!

[@adammoon4087]

harbor freight has a set of 2 buffing wheels for your drill and comes with 2 different compounds . it works well but the buffing wheels wear out relatively fast but will tell you if its something you want to invest in now or can wait . i can say i sanded to 500 and with the red compound puts a mirror finish on brass quickly. the 2 pack costed me less than 4 dollars

[@RedBeardOps]

Nice! Thanks for the tip Adam, I'll look into these. I think buffing may be the way to go with bolsters like this to get a nice even finish.

[@arkas6797]

After many experiments I have the impression that G 10 does not give a durable bond with any glue. I used two component epoxy glues from various countries, cyanoacrylate glues also failed. G 10 was sanded with coarse sandpaper and thoroughly washed with pure alcohol. Beautiful and well made knife.

[@edro3838]

Nice work

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JesseMcLanahan]

I use the harbor freight corded dremel with a buffing wheel attachment. Works great and I have pretty good control. I’d suggest sanding to like 2000 maybe.

[@RedBeardOps]

That's a good idea! Nice low cost of entry too. I only went up to 1000 grit before hitting it with the belt so maybe the 2K would work better assuming I'll hit it with a dermal buffer. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@vandoren156]

Instead of a buffer in a pinch you can also put a worn belt inside out and use polishing compound on it. Or go for an honing belt. We use them in jewelry sometimes. However shiny bolsters show scratches like crazy, satin and brushed finishes hide them better and can be brought back to new much more easily

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Van, I agree... I kinda like that satin.

[@williamknapp9497]

Great job beautiful knife!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks man!

[@eliclaudiosatiro]

Simplesmente fantástico seu trabalho parabéns. 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@RedBeardOps]

Muito obrigado!

[@damianallen6309]

Great knife, I really like your etched/stone washed blades. A low cost buffer can be achieved with the buffer attachments for your corded drill, I picked up a set from an auto parts store. To fix the drill in place, I used the handle attachment which fitted on the front of the drill. My Bosch used a thread to screw into the handle to tighten the clamp. I removed the handle and fitted it to an angle bracket I had lying around and used the bench vise to secure the drill. Use the drill on constant run instead of trigger. adjust your speed as needed. Just make sure you have the drill running the right direction or the pad unscrews.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank for the tips sir! I agree... I need to get me some of that equipment for sure. Hope you have a great week!

[@christianwilkerson939]

@@RedBeardOps I bought a 3/4 horsepower motor at an estate sale running at 1340 and mounted it on a 2" thick board. I also picked up a deal that runs with a v-belt and is 18" from the motor. It came from Wards (Montgomery Wards) and has a threaded rod running through with the belt going through the middle with a buffing wheel on each end. I picked up a number of buffs from Gesswein and use those with different polishing compounds. Tripoli would have worked well for this knife I think, as it is designed to remove scratches, etc.from brass and bring the brass up to a great shine. You could fix up a 2 sided setup, running tripoli on one side and red rouge on the other. The tripoli will get a good start and the red rouge will bring everything up to a high luster....really shiny if that's what you want. I have been poor-boying everything but hope to eventually get a set-up similar to yours for knife work, and I think you did a great job on the bolster.I was surprised you didn't tape your blade (like the guy above) . Even though most buffers on the jewelry side run a great deal faster, rpm-wise, I haven't noticed any big problems with the slower speed, even when I am working with silver. It may take a bit longer but not that much. Hope this helps...Also. very good video and narration!

[@natalierison2265]

a dremmel is great for small brass polishing jobs.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Natalie, thanks for the suggestion! And thanks for watching; I may just have to pick me up some wheels for my dremmel.

[@robfox5562]

Great video 👌🏻❤️

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much Rob!

[@ronnewton606]

nice tumbler..

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Gets the job done! Have a good one.

[@drakos2000]

Looks awsome! Good job!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you so much!

[@ibast1]

So you heat treated then shaped the blade? I guess that helps prevent warping, but normalising, then shaping makes the shaping and sanding easier. Then harden and temper. Thoughts?

[@RedBeardOps]

Yep, I've moved to doing all my grinding post heat treat. I don't see much difference in belt life and it does seem to greatly reduce the amount of warping issues. I also like not having to get geared up to grind and in the zone twice.

[@raylansall6764]

Nice job, looks great.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Ray, thanks! Really appreciate you comment.

[@zeemanknives]

Beautiful work! Keep it up, I enjoy your content! I glue and then pin...otherwise solder if its a hidden tang knife.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! Have a great week!

[@streetjackal4411]

Fantastic knife and solid vid...

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much sir! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stantilton3339]

I like the brushed finish on the brass. If it'll be a user it will show patina and use polish anyway. A buffer could be the ticket to make it shine.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Stan thanks for your comment! It's growing on me!

[@opa_plays_mw5318]

Massive hand sanding, yeah. I'm familiar with that. I did 3.5 hours on my first guard getting it flat and and polished - out to 2400 grit, then polished with brasso.

[@kasiakowalska500]

beautiful job

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@chrisrevell6889]

Any chance you could post a link to where you get your stencils? I tried a search for TUC Industries and came up empty. Thanks. Great videos. Very good instruction without a lot of silly crap that so many think is appropriate for this type video.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Chris, this is where I get them. Glad you like the videos! www.tustech.com/admin/home

[@hughbuchanan9048]

Do you mean TUS Technologies for the stencils?

[@RedBeardOps]

Yes sorry about that - www.tustech.com/admin/home

[@Gantzz321]

Are the bolster pins you used here hollow? I see black dots on the finished knife. I have never made a single knife, it occurred to me that tapping the bolster holes then peening might allow the pin to compress into the threaded area and provided an even more secure fit up since you end up sanding off the peen.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Greg! Those are mosaic pins. The black is actually died epoxy. I've been warned against peening mosaic pins, but haven't had any issues yet.

[@exotic-woods]

Why don't you try double side tape for holding the pieces together instead of drill bits? I do, and it works perfectly 3M has got some pretty good thin stuff...in any case thanks for your videos, they are very helpful

[@RedBeardOps]

Good idea! I may need to try that out. Thanks for the tip sir!

[@exotic-woods]

@@RedBeardOps You are welcome! I use 3M 9088-200 this one is 0,2mm thick...holding power is more than enough...there are lots of them in case this one does not work out for you

[@Jothebro2008_DaboyzCinematic]

beautiful knife

[@lawrencelewis1036]

You can put a buffing wheel on your drill press. At least until buying a dedicated system. A buffing wheel with some compound will bring out the brass and scales.

[@zengunslinger]

They sell a buffing kit for the Dremel that should be good for brass bolsters. Because it is Dremel size, it should be easier to get on the brass without hitting anything else. I am about to try it out on a kit knife build I am working on now if I can ever finish shaping the handle.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good idea! Cheers Todd!

[@Bennybob01]

Great looking knife! When I do bolsters and pommels I do as much finishing on the hard to reach spots as I can before I finally peen them on. And a buffer would make things easier but if you have a drill press then just get an arbor that will fit and crank up the speed. It was what I used before I got a buffer. Great vid keep up the good work!

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Ben, thanks for the tips! I need to try that out! I appreciate the praise and your comment!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Looks great, you did a wonderful job on it. The only thing I was thinking while watching you grind the bolster and handle is that it wasn’t taped. Lol! Just one slip and it’s ruined so it’s worth the 30 seconds to tape up that blade. If it hasn’t happened to you, it will at some point! Nice job though. I love your rock tumbling jig too!

[@RedBeardOps]

I feel you! I used to wrap them up, but I feel like I'm able to check handle symmetry better without the tape on there... I go back and forth. Thanks for your comment man! Really appreciate it.

[@brucestuart9947]

Nice looking knife. Bolsters are not difficult and IMHO add a professional look to a knife.To polish the brass I first finish on the belt to 250 (or maybe 400 to reduce the buffing). Then tape the handle off from the brass and the ricasso area. Buff on a soft stitched cloth wheel with fine polishing compound. Beware of heat build up in the brass as it can destroy any epoxy under the scales/ bolster (if you are using it). JB Weld will no doubt withstand heat better but i haven't used it. Also use the buffing wheel to relieve the sharp edge that forms on the front of the bolster after the sanding. Save risking damage to the ricasso using sand paper.

[@thomasjames8246]

Compound with loose wheel buffer.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for the tip sir!

[@sagebrushhillbilly4655]

That is an outstanding knife. Your fit and finish are excellent and I really like the profile and size. What belt grinder do you use and does that company offer the thickness sanding attachment seen here???

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! I use a NorthRidge grinder; I'm not sure if they have a surface grinder attachment or not.

[@neolithx]

shaping and polishing the front of the bolsters before attaching them to the blade. this will prevent damaging the blade later on

[@claudio7512]

Muy buen trabajo, yo te felicito, me he suscrito, un fuerte abrazo 🤗 y saludos cordiales desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@RedBeardOps]

¡Muchas gracias!

[@joshuacruce8964]

Great knife man! I’m sure I’m late to watching this but I wanted to suggest looking into dove tail bolsters. I’m experimenting with them in my own knives. They say it adds strength to the handle to do that.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks man, I'll take a look!

[@medevack1]

Beautiful work!!!!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks a million for your praise!

[@kevincolwell9575]

make sure you use good water for the etchant. I use invisible pins for bolsters. use a countersink and copper, brass, or mild steel or nickel silver pins, whatever the bolster is. Then, get the pins about 2 diameters proud on each side, with a nice countersink to peen into. Epoxy bolsters and scales, and make sure the bolster/scales fit like a dovetail, so that there is overlap so that the bolster helps lock the scale down. Peen the hell out of it - hit it like it stole something. Using a tapered punch was a good idea. Also, get a rounded, hardened punch, and drive the peened pin heads down hard with it, then sand the dents off (or file). Just make sure you sand from bolster onto scale never only on scale, and always use a large, hard, flat backer. Oh, and superglue the bolster material together and round/radius the front of the bolster and polish before putting them on the knife. Just put about a 2 degree angle on the back edge of the bolster and on the front of the scales (milling machine with proper spacers/angle pieces). out of order tip - be sure when you hand sand you always have part of the backer over the bolster. Buff the brass. Also, you can use a leather belt with green chrome to get a good polish on brass. You can even use a stick with leather glued to it with green compound as a buffer on small stuff. It is what jewelers do.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much for the information Kevin! Cheers sir, have a great weekend!

[@creedcastguides]

fantastic thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it! Cheers!

[@nunyabitness1175]

I personally like the matte brass finish, but yes, a buffer will allow you to obtain a high luster. Just plan out your attack because those wheels WILL grab. Beautiful work, nicely done.

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers! Thank you sir! Thanks for watching

[@johnkennedyswenja]

I love the shape of this knife and everything about it, how thick is the G10......1mm ?

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir! If I remember right it's 0.030"

[@adelacour]

use micromesh to finish the brass, its excellent.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you sir!

[@chrisrevell6889]

Curious why you’d use Corby’s when everything was epoxied together?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Chris, I'm a huge fan of the corby fasteners and loveless fastesters in combination with epoxy. I feel like it's a beefier assembly with a mechanical hold.