How to protect the tang when fitting scales?

[theWeatherman]

I need some ideas and help protecting the tang spine area!!! I had a knife Cerakoted and the scales do not fit perfectly and there is enough overhand everywhere that I need to bring the scales down so they meet the tang nicely. I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas on how to protect the spine etc so that I don't scratch the Cerakote off, when I bring the scale flush?

I will have to be spot-on next time but I want to salvage the one knife that is off.

thanks!

Brian

 

[Rudy Joly]

I've had that problem on a damascus tang after etching, just one spot didn't allign after glue up. I used aluminized tape that you get in the plumbing section for wrapping heating duct joints. The tape is metal clad i think maybe .002 but there's different thicknesses.....I cut a long sliver the width of the tang and layed it in between the offending stickyout scale section. Proceed finishing by hand the long way so each side is even and blend, the tape was more protection than regular blue tape. Slow and easy.

Good luck,
Rudy