Yes, you can use tubular rivets in a knife handle. Tubular rivets, also known as cutler's rivets, consist of a hollow tube on one side and a solid part on the other; when pounded together, they secure the handle scales to the tang of the knife effectively. They are commonly used in knife making, including traditional and medieval-style knives, and can be flared or peened to hold the handle material firmly in place.
When fitting tubular rivets, it is important to cut the tube to the proper length and flare it correctly to ensure a secure fit in the countersunk holes of the handle material. The flaring process involves expanding the hollow end of the rivet after insertion, which locks the handle scales tightly against the tang. This method has been used historically and is still popular among knife makers for its strength and aesthetic appeal.
