Since I destroyed the scales on my BJ A-F I plan to create another set with something a bit more attractive than the original plastic. Does anyone know where can I find a drawing that details the shape of the A-F scales or is this something I will be taking on as a freehand project? Not that I mind a little fun with the dremel and knives but I much rather prefer to start with a standard pattern before I begin ripping into an exotic wood. Thanks everyone.
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A-F scale pattern
- Thread starter Quark
- Start date
Cougar Allen
Buccaneer (ret.)
- Joined
- Oct 9, 1998
- Messages
- 75,627
I used to buy cheap folders and make wood scales for them. I wasted a lot of time trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear....
I did all the shaping after epoxying the scales to the knife. It's easiest if the knife only has one bolster -- if it has two you have to cut to length before gluing, cut and try.... I'd saw out the scales oversize, epoxy them on, then whittle them down to fit with another knife, usually finishing with wood rasp and sandpaper. Finally I'd scorch it and apply many coats of linseed oil.
You want hard wood -- I used pine the first time when I was a kid, and it got scratched and dented up fast. I still have that knife, though.... It's junk except for the scales; scorched pine looks good even when it's scratched and dented. Birch dowel holds up better and also looks good scorched and oiled. Any nice-looking hardwood you have around....
-Cougar Allen :{)
I did all the shaping after epoxying the scales to the knife. It's easiest if the knife only has one bolster -- if it has two you have to cut to length before gluing, cut and try.... I'd saw out the scales oversize, epoxy them on, then whittle them down to fit with another knife, usually finishing with wood rasp and sandpaper. Finally I'd scorch it and apply many coats of linseed oil.
You want hard wood -- I used pine the first time when I was a kid, and it got scratched and dented up fast. I still have that knife, though.... It's junk except for the scales; scorched pine looks good even when it's scratched and dented. Birch dowel holds up better and also looks good scorched and oiled. Any nice-looking hardwood you have around....
-Cougar Allen :{)