I think after years of interest I'm finally gonna try building a knife. I do have a couple of questions though. What size of brass pins do I use and do I just epoxy everything together? Also, what is a good finish to use for the handle?

welcome, 1/8 size pins is a good place to start with, at least it was for me.  and yes i like to epxoy everything also.  about the finish it depends of what you like.  i like oil, or a wax finish

Dustin is right.

One other thing, you might want to read some how to books and look back on some of the discussions here on the TG site before starting. That said, dont take it too seriously and enjoy the work. Lin

1/8 inch pins work fine.  I use a variety of finished.  Danish Oil, Tung Oil, Hard Carnuba Wax power buffed in for a glass like finish.  Burned in Tung Oil, Stained with Aquafortis, etc....  Lots of good options.  Research on here and then search around on the web.  Pick one and take your time you will end up with good results.

Actually that applies to the whole process.  Take your time, enjoy the work, and you can end up with a first knife to be proud of.

Northcoast knives has some good tutorials.

Thanks guys, I've been following this thread for about a year now and done some other internet research. I grew up in 4-H and their motto is 'Learn to do by doing'. I still like that motto and there is no  time like the present!

Cool Randy good time of year to bring 4-H up with all the fairs going on!!!
Obviously you are in good Health,and your Head  is in the right place,now take your Hands and put your Heart into making a knife.
Young people do it every year.
I just couldn't resist the four H's

QuoteOriginally posted by Rooster1:
Cool Randy good time of year to bring 4-H up with all the fairs going on!!!
Obviously you are in good Health,and your Head  is in the right place,now take your Hands and put your Heart into making a knife.
Young people do it every year.
I just couldn't resist the four H's

NICE!

So, I got some used files from work and I annealed them yesterday. I pulled them out of the ashes this morning and every one of them has a slight curve to it. Is that from each side of the file cooling at a different rate? I tried to keep them covered in ash and coal the whole time. Also, they don't seem that soft but I just ran a file over them a bit.