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Post by Anders on Jun 24, 2013 19:57:57 GMT
I'm working on a couple of different tactical designs, and I have a question about hilts:
Would a single-piece hilt that is slid over a broad tang and then pinned in place tactical/messer style provide the same structural advantages as two hilt slabs attached to the sides of the tang in the same manner?
I assumed yes when I came up with one of my designs, but it occured to me I'm actually not quite sure. :?
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Jun 25, 2013 6:36:33 GMT
The simple answer to the complex question is "no" - in a two slab config you usually end up with direct hand contact with the tang, any general type of "slid on" will have a gap between tang and hilt, when you hit something with the slide on type there will be forces generated between the grip and the pins through to the tang, hence the pins will carry all the forces. In a slab config the forces are divided between the grip you have on the tang edges, the pins and the slab to tang grip. I hope this makes sense
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Post by Anders on Jun 25, 2013 23:54:03 GMT
What if the hilt fits so precisely there is no gap? It just seems to me that the pins will have to deal with the same forces regardless - I've just added some hilt material between the edge of the tang and my hand.
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Post by Pogo4321 on Jun 26, 2013 3:56:40 GMT
Probably want to add glue and not rely on just pins. What you are describing though is pretty much conventional sword grip. There are katanas that have the tsukas glued on and if done right hold up really well.
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Post by Anders on Jul 1, 2013 12:03:34 GMT
I wouldn't call it a conventional sword grip, it's more of a hybrid. Here's an illustration of what I have in mind: As I understand it, the danger of a katana tsuka is that the tang can act as a lever against the hilt. What we have here is a tactical style assembly, except the hilt extends somewhat to envelop the tang. I don't think that should weaken the hilt - at least, it doesn't seem reasonable that it would.
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Post by ShooterMike on Jul 1, 2013 17:56:10 GMT
That looks like a great idea. Basically it looks like the mechanics of a medieval desigh without the pommel. As long as the grip is a "press fit" onto the tang, the pins should only function to hold the assembly together and keep it from loosening.
One suggestion would be to taper the tang slightly such that the grip only gets tight the last half inch or so. That would ensure a good consistently tight fit along the entire length of the grip and allow for easier assembly. You could also use red loctite or epoxy inside the grip during final assembly to migrate and fill any slight voids. That would make the assembly mostly permanent, but that's the approach I would take. It'd be a hell-for-strong design.
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