Knifemaking Question

[Carolina Kiltman]

Another old way was a glue made from deer/horses hooves. Everything I've been able to find seems to point to the blade being of more import than the hilt so they simply attached it with the best technology available & replaced it when it got loose. We have great epoxies available cheaply nowdays, I think it's easier to use them.

The glue you refer to is still available from the fine woodworking supply companies, such as Woodcraft (tm) It is difficult, nasty, stuff to work with but unsurpassed for some things, but setting a knife blade in the handle would no longer be one of them. (Check out "hide glue")

[osric the pale]

soaking antler works well, but the stench is legendary!
another thing that was used was lead poured into the cavity hollowed out for the tang, NOT RECOMMENDED!!!
the modern epoxies are really best, but you can use britania pewter (lead free) and it looks wonderful.
look at trackofthewolf.com for britania casting granules.
~oz