A few stacked leather questions.

oic0

oic0

Joined
Jun 16, 2012
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I understand the general process but have a few questions on the finer points.
Do you need spacers interspersed in the leather?
Can you shape one without glue, remove it, replace a top spacer with the guard you plan to use, and then assemble with glue? I'm scared ill mar the bottom of the guard while shaping

I'm trying to make a poignard with a handle similar to that of a v42.
 
This isn't answering your question, but I personally wouldn't use stacked leather...

I did a few times several years ago, and it's easy enough to do and has a nice feel when first done. But, have you ever seen an old knife with stacked leather? I have several, mostly Marbles, and ALL of them have issues because of the leather- shrinking, cracking, mold, etc.

You can stack natural micarta layers and get a very similar look... that will last forever and a day.
 
Thanks. Didnt know that, never owned one. Think ill go that route. Solves my other problems too.
 
You can soak a leather handle with tung oil 3 - 4 times over a period of a couple of days and it will dry rock hard. I made one like that and it is hard enough that a finger nail won't leave a mark in it. I believe I soaked it 4 times, you could experiment with 1, 2 or 3 soakings and see if it gives you the look/feel you are after... it should definitely increase the longevity of the handle, mine hasn't changed one bit in 5 years.

Here's a pic of it, it needed a bit more sanding and polishing at that point.

 
You can eliminate some problems by REALLY compressing the leather before assembly also. You cut out your squares, then immerse in HOT water until no bubbles come up. Then use a simple jig, a large threaded rod capped with ends of flat micarta. And then screw them all down as hard as you can, then let dry for a day and screw them down more. Then more. Let them dry completely while highly compressed, which will take several days. The leather will be rock hard and finish nicely after being restacked, epoxied, and buffed. But Nick definitely has a point, I've never seen a really old knife with a leather handle that didn't have at least some issues. Does look cool tho
 
Casey4545 said:
But Nick definitely has a point, I've never seen a really old knife with a leather handle that didn't have at least some issues.
Click to expand...

Those old factory knives weren't given anything resembling the attention and care we give to handmade knives today; it's not really a fair comparison. They were cobbled together as quickly as possible, and it shows.

Is leather the very best choice for a truly long-lasting, low-maintenance handle? Of course not; G10 rules that roost. But with good prep and a modicum of upkeep, I'm pretty confident a properly-built handmade leather handle can outlast us all.
 
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