Knife mounting accessories: what are they for?

A knife is a precise assembly. Each assembly part plays a distinct functional role, and the choice of an unsuitable component can weaken the whole or compromise the finish. Assembly accessories include all the mechanical and linking parts that ensure cohesion between handle, guard, blade and mechanism - whether for a fixed knife, a folding knife or a pocket knife with ferrule.

It is these components - often discreet, sometimes invisible once the knife is assembled - that determine the real quality of the assembly. A well-sized pin, a correctly adjusted washer or a precise stop pin make the difference between a knife that lasts and one that loosens.

Categories of parts available from Mercorne

Axes and pivots

The axle is the central part of a folding knife: it ensures the rotation of the blade in the handle. At Mercorne, axles and pivots are available in different diameters and lengths to suit all knife sizes. The choice of pin depends on the type of mechanism (liner lock, frame lock, lock back...) and the thickness of the handle inserts.

Spacers

Spacers are used to space the handle plates and keep the blade correctly positioned in open or closed position. They have a direct influence on the blade's lateral play and the fluidity of the opening. Mercorne spacers are precision-machined to ensure clean assembly.

Rivets, rosettes and wires

For fixed knives and handles made of noble materials, rivets, rosettes and wires ensure that the inserts are permanently attached to the tang. The rosette also plays an aesthetic role: correctly chosen, it complements the knife's style and enhances the handle's materials.

Washers, bearings and stop pins

Washers and bearings facilitate rotation of the blade around the axis, reducing friction and improving the fluidity of the mechanism. Stop pins limit blade rotation in the open position - an essential safety feature on folding knives.

Knife hardware

Knife screws include the plate screws, pivot screws, handle screws and guard screws used in modern knives with removable assembly. The choice of screw pitch, material (stainless steel, titanium, steel) and head (Torx, hex, flat) depends on mechanical constraints and aesthetic requirements.

Drilling and machining tools

Drilling and machining tools are used to prepare materials for assembly - drilling rivet holes, shaping inserts, chamfering. These tools are selected for their compatibility with the noble materials processed at Mercorne (stabilized wood, horn, composite materials).

Knife-making kits

For beginners to knife making, or for workshops wishing to standardize their production, manufacturing kits bring together in a single purchase all the parts needed to make a knife. A practical solution for getting started without the risk of forgetting a critical part.

How to choose your assembly parts?

The choice of assembly accessories depends on a number of criteria to be defined before ordering:

• Type of knife: folding, fixed, pocket, hunting - each type imposes different mechanical constraints on the connecting parts.
• Handle material: a stabilized wooden handle cannot be attached in the same way as a G10 or horn handle. The thickness of the inserts determines the length of the pins and rivets.
• Locking mechanism: liner lock, frame lock, lock back, slip joint - each mechanism uses specific components (pin, stop pin, spring).
• Desired level of finish: for a top-of-the-range finish, the choice of material for visible parts (brushed stainless steel, anodized titanium, bronze) contributes to the knife's final aesthetic appeal.
• Manufacturer's level: a novice knife-maker will benefit from choosing a complete kit; an experienced knife-maker will select each part according to precise dimensions.

If in doubt, Olivier is available to guide you in choosing the right parts for your project.

Mercorne and mounting accessories: 34 years of expertise

Since 1992, Mercorne has been referencing and selecting mounting accessories adapted to the noble materials we offer. Each part in our catalog is chosen for its reliability, dimensional accuracy and compatibility with handle materials - stabilized woods, horns, ivories, composite materials. Our catalog covers all the needs of a knifemaker, from the first rivet to the complete manufacturing kit.

Same-day shipping on orders placed before 12 noon, returns accepted within 15 days, free delivery on orders over €90. If you have any questions about a part, its dimensions or compatibility with a material, please contact us directly: Olivier will answer personally.

Frequently asked questions about knife mounting accessories

What's the difference between a pin and a pivot for folding knives?

Axis and pivot often refer to the same part: the rod that runs through the handle and around which the blade pivots. Some manufacturers, however, make a distinction between the axle (fixed rod) and the screw-in pivot (threaded, removable axle). The screwed pivot is more common on modern knives, as it allows disassembly and adjustment of opening smoothness.

How to choose the length of a knife handle rivet?

The length of the rivet should correspond to the total thickness of the assembled handle - inserts + tang - leaving a slight overhang (1 to 2 mm on each side) for riveting. A rivet that's too short won't rivet securely; a rivet that's too long will create an unsightly overhang that's hard to remove. Always check the thickness of your inserts before ordering.

What is the purpose of a stop pin on a folding knife?

The stop pin is a small pin fixed in the handle which blocks the rotation of the blade in the open position. Without a stop pin, the blade could continue to rotate beyond the desired angle of use, posing a risk to the user and weakening the mechanism. This is an essential safety feature on all folding knives with manual mechanisms.

Are Mercorne drilling tools compatible with stabilized wood?

Yes, Mercorne drilling tools are selected for their compatibility with noble hard materials - stabilized woods, horns, composite materials such as G10. The stabilizing resin hardens the wood and increases its density: suitable drills (HSS cobalt or carbide) are recommended for clean, splinter-free drilling.

Can I buy a kit if I'm new to cutlery?

Yes, in fact we recommend it. Mercorne's manufacturing kits contain all the parts needed to make a knife, in dimensions that are consistent with each other. This avoids compatibility errors that are common among beginners. If you're not sure which kit is right for your project, Olivier can guide you towards the solution best suited to your skill level and the tool you want to make.