Handle Fitting Instructions
Fit your Japanese knife handle at home with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to check and adjust the insertion slot, protect the handle, apply epoxy, align the blade, remove excess adhesive, seal remaining gaps and finish the wood with oil or wax. Watch the video or follow the written instructions for a secure, clean fit.
Watch a step-by-step video or read the instructions:
- Choose the right handle for the blade. Prepare the work surface and the equipment needed for fitting: the adhesive for wood/metal (we recommend using 2-component high viscosity epoxy glue), natural sealant resistant to corrosion, syringe, small sharp utility knife, sandpaper (optional), thin plastic card (similar to a credit card), a piece of cloth, oil/wax for wood care.
- Check the initial fit, use a diamond nail file to make proper adjustments to the insertion hole so it fits your blade.
- Use scotch tape to protect the area of the handle around the insertion hole.
- Prepare and mix the adhesive; we recommend the use of 2-component high-viscosity epoxy glue. Other kind of adhesive can be used as well, make sure it’s suitable for wood/metal, high-viscosity is optimal as it makes the application much easier
- Fill the syringe and infuse the handle so there’s some excess glue coming out of the handle.
- Insert the blade, make sure it’s straight in all directions and watch the excess glue so it doesn’t reach the unprotected part of the handle.
- Carefully put the assembled knife down and wait for the glue to dry. The duration of the drying process depends on the type of glue you used, please see the instructions on the glue packaging.
- Once the glue is dry, remove the scotch tape, take a small knife and clean the excess glue if there is any leftover around the fitting hole. Due to the structure of the wood, there’s a chance some of the glue poured out of the small holes on the handle, this is normal. Use the knife or high-grit sandpaper to remove the glue.
- Use a natural sealant (resistant to corrosion) and fill any remaining gap between the blade and the handle insertion hole. For high precision use a plastic card/spatula to evenly distribute the sealant. Clean the leftover sealant with a cloth.
- Final step: use oil or wax intended for wood care and apply it to the handle to achieve the final look.
- All done, enjoy your new handle.