Knives are used in almost all kitchens and restaurants for cutting vegetables, meats, and other items. They are one of the most important tools for kitchens and even for outdoor activities.
Selection of the right type of epoxy is crucial because you don’t want your scales to slip and get injured your fingers while cutting.
So make sure your blades remain fixed to the blades you will need the best epoxy for knife handles so that you can permanently glue them.
We focused this guide on knife makers because they are the one who uses epoxy the most. Hence, choosing the right epoxy for a knife is very important if you don’t want your handle to break or slip while cutting.
While most of them think the most important part of a knife is the blade, you are actually misguided. The handle is equally important as the knife because a knife without a handle is meaningless.
Installing a blade to a knife handle is quite easy but the crucial part is the blade must be fixed permanently to the handle.
A blade must be fixed to its position tightly so that it doesn’t get loose even if the knife falls or when the knife comes in contact with water for a long time.
For this, you need excellent quality glue that sticks to its position in any case.
Hence if you are struggling to find out the best epoxy for knife making make sure you stick till the end of this post because after complete research I have brought all the top best glues for knife handles.
Well, In summary, here we will learn the basics of how to attach a knife handle and other important things that you need to focus on while getting the best glue for knife handles.
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What Is Epoxy?
Usually, people consider all types of glue the same by considering a thing to glue something. That is why most of them choose the wrong glue and it fails.
However, in reality, epoxy is a different substance. Epoxy is actually a synthetic mixture of epoxy resin or a polymer that is widely used to glue a variety of substances at home and for structural engineering.
They are the primary source of glue in any industry because of the strong resilient thermosetting bond that it creates.
Epoxy is very common because it allows flexibility to use in a wide range of materials including wood, fabric, glass, concrete, steel, and other substances.
The most outstanding aspect is epoxy doesn’t get loose when it comes in contact with water. All things considered, regarding sticking the blade to the handle, you’ll find no better choice of glue.
If you are aware, we would like to tell you a fact that when gluing metals with epoxy is an alternative to welding, soldering, and bolting.
Epoxy vs Super Glue For Knife Handles?
Well, you would have probably heard about superglue as we widely use them in households to fix broken glass or hard plastics. Cyanoacrylate Glue means “Super Glue” or ” Crazy Glue”.
The glue get’s dry in under 5 to 20 seconds because it gets activated once it comes in contact with the moisture. So once you apply the glue it dries in just seconds.
Super Glue creates a powerful bond between two surfaces. However, the liquid is not thick enough so it can fill the small gaps between the two surfaces.
While we mostly use super Glues to fix small areas like fixing a broken cup.
The only down-set super glue is they don’t hold the bond tightly in the case of woods and metals. Another major disadvantage is cannot survive high temperatures and water.
However, on the other side epoxy is a polyepoxide which is a two-part resin that actually forms when you mix the epoxy resin harder.
The two materials are mixed in a ratio of 1:1 and then they are ready to use.
Epoxy is extremely versatile, strong, and mostly used in DIY Projects. Epoxy has a vast application both in industries and households because we can use it in almost as many materials.
In fact, it is considered an alternative to welding.
The best feature of epoxy resin is because of the thick liquid it can easily fill big and small gaps. In addition, epoxy is resistant to water and can cure underwater.
Well, to glue knife handles there is no better choice than epoxy.
Epoxy | Super Glue |
| The liquid is Thick | The liquids Thin |
| Cannot cure voids | Epoxy is better at filling voids |
| Epoxy is made of two parts | Super Glue is a single component |
| It requires time to try | Dried in minutes |
10 Best Epoxy For Knife Handles: Cheap & Affordable
Now it’s time to look at the best epoxy glue for wood and metal that are easily available in the market and you can purchase them on Amazon.
Well, we have selected all the best knife handle glue and you can choose any of them without any doubt.
1. J-B Weld 50165 Original 25ml Epoxy
The J-B Weld 50165 is one of the selling epoxies that has a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5, which has been given by their 10000 plus satisfied customers. That is why we highly recommended this product.
The best thing about epoxy is it creates a powerful bond on any kind of surface and this gives you the flexibility to use it on any type of handle you are making.
Well, the product does not produce blush and prevents the formation of bubbles. Even if their air pockets are formed they naturally rise to the surface.
Now you don’t even have to worry about if you want to reuse it as it comes with a unique dispensing system that allows you to reseal the product that prevents air.
The J-B Weld is completely resistant to getting yellowing because it is completely toxic-free. Now you can easily use it with clear knife scales without worrying.
Specifications
- Strength: 3960 PSI
- Set Time: 5-6 Hours
- Cure Time: 15-25 Hours
- Used On: Metal, Wood, Plastic, Tiles, FiberGlass More.
2. Devcon Epoxy, 2 Ton Epoxy
Looking for a good and quality two-part epoxy then check out the Devcon 2 ton. The epoxy can harden the bond even stronger than before because it creates a chemical reaction between the two layers.
This epoxy works great on metals, wood, glass, concrete, and ceramics. The best feature that highlights the epoxy is it is set within 30 minutes and this is the best part that separates the epoxy from other types.
After you apply the resin, it results in a very thick bond between the two surfaces. Surprisingly, the resin can also withstand high temperatures and even radiation.
When it comes to thickness, the knife handle epoxy is the best that you can find.
Well, if you are looking for an epoxy that sets quickly and easily without creating bubbles, then this is what you can get.
Once you join two layers using this epoxy, then it can easily last for a year without even affecting the sealant. This is one of the best wood-to-metal epoxies you can get.
Specifications
- Strength: 2500 Pound
- Set Time: 30 Minutes
- Cure Time: 24 Hours
- Used On: Wood, metal, concrete, glass, ceramics, china dish, and more
3. PC Products PC-Clear Epoxy
PC products are one of the leading manufacturers of epoxies and make one of the best adhesives for steel and woodworking projects.
This product is just effective for all types of steel and wood with an incredibly resilient adhesive that allows you to use it even in extreme conditions. Thanks to the commercial-grade quality and versatility.
The PC clear is an effective solution for bonding steel and wood and is resistant to vibrations, shocks, and impact. In addition, this is completely waterproof.
The only downset is the epoxy requires a curing time of 24 hours which means you have to leave the knife for one complete day to let the bond settle fully. But once cured it forms a nearly irreversible bond.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly epoxy with good adhesive quality, then with no doubt you can choose the Pc Cleary epoxy.
Specifications
- Strength: 3,440 psi
- Set Time: 15 Minutes
- Cure Time: 1 to 4 Days
- Used On: Wood, Glass, Ceramic, Concrete, Metal
4. Bob Smith Industries BSI
Bob Smith is another professional-grade epoxy resin for knife scales that can fix your blade and handle permanently.
The resin is an all-rounder product that can even fix other types of structures like floorings, etc.
The knife handle epoxy can withstand a temperature of around -140 degrees F to 180 degrees F which means this can withstand any kind of extreme temperature.
The knife epoxy is completely water-resistant and the best features it food-safe by the FDA.
In addition, if there lies an extra amount of resin on the blade, you don’t have to panic as it’s completely organic.
Well, I have used this epoxy with many of my knives, and trust me the glue stick pretty well. The epoxy set more quickly than any other epoxy, giving a tight hold to the adhesive handles.
Also, the epoxy is quite easy to use because of the design of the tip which helps the epoxy to release drop by drop. Hence, it doesn’t create any kind of mess in the area you are working on.
Specifications
- Strength: 2500 Pound
- Set Time: 15 Minutes
- Cure Time: 1 Hour
- Used On: Metal, Wood, Ceramic, Cement, Plastic
5. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy
Another strong and permanent epoxy is gorilla epoxy for knife handles. This is an amazing epoxy and you must have heard about it, as they are the leading manufacturers of epoxy for a year.
9000 plus has reviewed the gorilla epoxy for the knife handle and it has a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 which is an excellent rating.
The excellent glue is great for filling gaps between the blade and the handles and is one of the best epoxies for metal.
With its superior solvent and water resistance, the glue is incredibly strong to hold any kind of automotive repair.
Whether you are a knifemaker or working on any other projects, you can use this with no doubt.
This is also one of the cheapest epoxies you can find, despite being so cheap the product just stands out because of its excellent quality.
Specifications
- Strength: 3,500 PSI
- Set Time: 30 Minutes
- Cure Time: 24 Hours
- Used On: Wood, Glass, Ceramic, Metal
6. Ceccorp C-Proxy 5
Compared with other types of epoxy this is strong and durable. Peoples are really happy with their product that’s why it has a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5.
If you are looking for the best two-part epoxy, then you are at the right place. This epoxy comes in two different parts and you have to mix them thoroughly to achieve a tight bond.
Ceccorp C is heavy-duty and almost strong as a J-B Weld with a tensile strength of 3500 PSI. This is a quick-curing product and gives you five minutes of working strength.
The epoxy works well with a wide range of materials for attaching knife scales epoxy.
Overall, this glue is quite durable and can easily last for years even if it comes in contact with water. I suggest you choose this if you have a bridge of less than $20.
Specifications
- Strength: 2,500 PSI
- Set Time: 1 Minute
- Cure Time: 24 Hours
- Used On: Glass, Concrete, Fiberglass, Stones, Metal
7. BSI BSI-202 Quick-Cure
The fast-curing epoxy from bob smith Industries cures to a slightly flexible consistency. Well, this is an epoxy that is computable with appliances even if there is high vibration.
This adhesive works with a wide range of materials including unusual ones like wood, hard plastic, and even white foam.
This can work pretty well with steel and wood which means we can use this for knife making.
The slightly flexible consistency and the long-lasting bond can be used in areas that are immersed in water. This epoxy can even glue the internal structure of wood-framed boats.
The epoxy gets cured to a transparent amber color and usually disappears after curing. In addition, it’s best for sealing wood knife handles.
It gets cured in 5 minutes and achieves its full strength in just one hour. Make sure you use clamps on the scalp once you apply the epoxy, this will help to make a powerful bond even more.
Specifications
- Strength: 2,500 PSI
- Set Time: 15 minutes
- Cure Time: 1 Hour
- Used On: Glass, Wood, Steel
8. West System G Flex Epoxy
The knife handle epoxy has been specially designed for wood and steelworkers who want a powerful bond between steel and wood.
This is a great product mostly recommended by professional knife makers.
With an elastic strength of 150,000 PSI, this is one of the strongest epoxies you can find. This is an excellent product that can even protect the sealant even underwater.
The blade bond epoxy can make a strong structural bond and even absorb the shocks, vibrations, and even expansions.
Once you apply the epoxy on the surface of the blade, the resin automatically self-levels it and becomes quite easy to use.
This epoxy can hold your blade and be handed tight and permanently.
The epoxy knife handle molds are completely volatile-free as it’s made from organic compounds and this won’t harm or create any defect in your blades. The product is also a food-safe epoxy home depot.
Specifications
- Strength: 150,000 PSI
- Set Time: 5-6 Hours
- Cure Time: 15-25 Hours
- Used On: Metal, Wood, Plastic, Tiles, FiberGlass More.
9. PASCO FIX Strongest Super Glue
One of the best metal epoxies is the PASCO FIX knife-grade epoxy. The adhesive is quite strong and thick because of which it easily fills any gaps and forms a long-lasting bond between the two surfaces.
The product is a multipurpose adhesive and can use in a wide range of materials but not rubber and fabric.
This is a unique characteristic of adhesive that has the ability to withstand direct sunlight and shocks.
The 30-minute epoxy home depot cures easily and makes a strong bond between the wood and the metal.
Once you apply the epoxy, this can last for years because it has a breaking strength up to 2,920 pounds, which also means you highly glue heavy objects.
This is a great product but the only downside of the glue is its pungent smell while applying the glue. However, the smell goes always once it gets dry.
Specifications
- Strength: 2,920 PSI
- Set Time: 15 Hours
- Cure Time: 1 Hour
- Used On: Wood, Steel, Fiberglass, Plastic, Cement
10. Loctite 1919324-8 Marine Epoxy
Our last choice is the Loctite 1919324 Marine Epoxy. If you looking for a glue that is specially designed to resist water then you’ll find no better choice than Loctite.
Well, the epoxy becomes quite easy to use because of the double syringe that helps to release the epoxy in equal amounts and does not create a mess about the blades.
The wood-to-metal epoxy does not shrink which gives more advantages.
Like other epoxies, you need to mix the resin but when you get the Loctite; you don’t have to do all those processes to use it.
Unfortunately, the only downset is you can only use this for a single time. This means once you open the seal you cannot be safe for another time.
Overall, the product is quite good and we highly recommend using it for knife making. This will permanently fix the blade with the scale, and there is no chance of getting loose.
Specifications
- Strength: 3,000 PSI
- Set Time: 2 Hours
- Cure Time: 24 Hours
- Used On: Fiberglass, Glass, Ceramic, Concrete, Metal
Which Is the Best wood for knife handles?
There are many variations of wood available, and it becomes very tough and overwhelming to choose the best wood for making knife handles.
Well, wood is considered the best knife-making handle material, and it has been used for ages. Also, it attracts a lot of chefs and knife collectors.
Wood allows you to carve the handles to a beautiful design that makes it easy to work with them. You can choose any kind of design and start working on it.
Well, I prefer using a knife with wooden handles because it is more comfortable and provides a secure grip on your handles.
There is also less risk of slipping because you don’t sweat on your palms. Hence, reduces the risk.
The choice of wood might differ for individuals. However, there are some of the most common types of wood widely chosen.
1. Oak
The use of oak is growing more in recent days for making scales. Because they are cheap, durable, and provide a very attractive look, that is why they are chosen by a lot of knife makers.
Caving Oak is also quite easy as compared to other types of wood, you don’t require any heavy equipment for carving. Probably Oak is the most commonly used wood for knife handles.
2. Maple Burl
Another most commonly used wood is Maple Burl. This is a great wood for knife handles and even prevents the wood from cracks and insect attacks.
If you are looking for an expensive knife handle, then choosing the maple burl is worth choosing. It is slightly expensive but it is worth the money. The maple burl can be easily found in a lot of knives handles nowadays.
3. Cocobolo
Well, Cocobolo is probably one of the strongest wood for knife handles. It is durable and resistant to all kinds of shock, vibrations, and falls. The wood is also resistant to extreme wet conditions and even high temperatures.
Cocobolo comes in a wide range of color variants (red, yellow, purple, and black). Because of the durability of this wood becomes the favorite choice for knife makers and has an outrageous demand all over the world.
4. Rose Wood
Rosewood is similar to Oak but darker and cheaper than Oak. Well, if you cannot afford Oak, then this is the best alternative. This is dark and durable and even resistant to cracks and termites.
Rosewood is mostly used in many knives like kitchen knives, hunting knives, and even pocket knives. Well, if you are looking for a knife for day-to-day usage then this is the perfect wood.
Related Post: Complete guide on the best wood for knife handles
How to put a handle on a knife?
Most of them ask about how to attach the knife handle. Well, putting a handle on a knife is quite easy. You can do it just by following the below steps.
#1. Get The Required And Tools
The first step before you start making your knife is to collect all the accessories that is required in making your knife. You must make sure you get all the tools because each of them is important.
- Wood Rasp
- Clamps
- Medium Half-Round File
- Small Half-Round Files
- Epoxy
- Wood
- Sandpapers 60 – 400 grit
- Wood Polish
#2. Prepare The Blade
Once you collect all the required tools, now you have to prepare the blade. The first step is to sand the entire blade so that the uneven surface gets polished and also you remove the dust particles from the knife.
Now clean the entire blade with Acetone so it removes any such dust particles from the blade. Cleaning the blade is important, so it creates a tight bond.
#3. Prepare The Wood
Trace and cut down the scales, so that the wood grain is of the perfect length.
Well, for a comfortable feel it is always recommended to slightly oversize the handle, so it fits comfortably with your palm.
Note that you can choose the wood which you like personally. As there are many types of wood, you can choose your personal favorite one.
But remember the steps would remain the same for all knife of knife species.
#4. Glue The Scales
This is the most crucial step because if you don’t glue it well, your hand might slip or that scale might be awkward position.
It is also extremely hard to remove the glue once we glue the scales. So make sure you glue it carefully.
We recommended using clamps that can ensure they are properly fit to their position.
Now once you glue the scales with a knife-making epoxy, let the glue dry overnight, this will ensure they are 100% secure.
#5. Sanding
It is important to sand the scales so that the wood is in a perfect position with the knife blade handle.
Sanding ensures your handles are smooth and comfortable. Use a file and sandpaper to smooth the uneven surface.
For better accuracy stop and test your hand grip. Well, it’s important to test the handgrip, so that there is less chance of making a mistake.
Wrap Up On Best Epoxy For Knife Handles
Well, I think we have covered almost all the best epoxy for knife handles, and trust me all this glue works pretty well. Also, you have understood and found your favorite wood for your knife.
So, if you’re planning for replacing the knife handle with wooded handles then you should check out the list of best woods that I have compiled for you, or else you can check out the latest guide.
Well, there are many types of glue and not all of them are the same.
A few manufacturers use superglue as their primary source of glue for knife making but this doesn’t make a powerful bond.
You need something thick that grips your blade and scalp. Therefore, investing in epoxy is quite important if you don’t want your handles to be out, and looking for a permanent solution.
That is why are have written the best epoxy resin for knife scales for you so that you can understand the of using epoxy rather than normal glue.
I hope the guide on the best epoxy for making knife scales would have helped you out.
Well, if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.
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FAQ: Best Epoxy For Making Knife Scales
These are some of the most commonly used questions that people mostly want to know about. Read this section to clear your additional doubts.
Q.1 What is the difference between epoxy and superglue?
Epoxy is a compound that is usually made up of two parts and the user has to combine and use it: the resin and the hardener. While super glue is made up of a single component and it’s made from cyanoacrylate that rapidly hardens when it gets exposed to air.
2. What is the difference between epoxy adhesives and epoxy resins
Epoxy adhesive is a formula for epoxy resin. The adhesive mostly contains curing agents, epoxy resin, modifiers, fillers, etc. Also, the epoxy and resin need to be mixed up before they are used, and the epoxy hardens faster than the resin.
3. What material does epoxy resin not stick to?
There are many types of materials to which the epoxy doesn’t stick and a few of them are silicon, Teflon, Duckbutts, Polyethylene Plastics, Silicone, Vinyl, Rubber, Parchment, Wax Paper, and Most Plastic Containers