Locator pins on hidden tang?

[theWeatherman]

So I haven't been able to find info on why to use locator pins on a hidden tang? Can you guys enlighten me?

What size pins are common?

 

[J.Babody]

Can't say from any kind of experience but I would assume it is for structural integrity so the handles last the long haul. Take that with a grain of salt because I've never dealt with it, just my .02...

 

[Brad Lilly]

I used some locator pins for a couple of my knives. The main purpose was to keep the guard, spacers and handle lined up. I used 1/8" pins, they were a little on the large size but they worked. I saw a good video by an ABS Master Smith on frame handle knives, but sadly I can't find it again.

 

[Dwane Oliver]

Look up Karl Andersens videos on utube , He uses them on his takedown knives.

I have made one knife like this , I used 1/16" roll pins , worked very well.

 

[GHEzell]

They add considerable structural strength, and they allow for the handle to be disassembled/reassembled multiple times... a good thing if various parts of the knife need to be finished differently (think etched wrought iron guard). Epoxy is no longer holding the knife together, but just acting as a seal. I use 1/16" brass pins, but I like the idea of roll pins, too.

Done right, the knife snaps together like lego...