There was some testing on glues a while back.
http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/sh...light=adhesive
As for pinning, definitely use pins or some other fastener. If you use pins you will be epoxying them in so that will prevent moisture that way. The main thing is to keep it out of the dish washer. You probably know this but it never hurts to remind your father.
Let's see the knife; I actually love some of those old ugly kitchen knives. I love to cook and some of those blackened over sharpened knives are great. When I go through antique stores I always look for some, but they are hard to find as people either hoard them or throw them out.
Jim