Advice On Handle Material

J

jtallant

Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
113
I'l be ordering a custom knife from Arno Bernard Jr. very soon. I've picked out the style, but for the life of me can't decide on what grip panels I want. I've narrowed it down to 4 materials, and here they are (the blade profile will be like the 1st three, and the sheep's horn is just a reference):



Ironwood

6e96_12_sb.JPG



Snakewood

7ba2_12_sb.JPG



Warthog Ivory

80c0_12_sb.JPG



Sheep's Horn

d338_12.JPG
 
I prefer the two wood, with the ironwood being my favorite. I would normally choose ivory, but don't thin it looks as nice on this design. The wood would also be more durable if this is going to be user.
 
Unless the snakewood and the other materials are stabilized i would opt for the ironwood due too the probable differecnce in climates between S. Africa and your location.Thus reducing the chance of the scales moving around ,shrinking, or cracking once you receive the knife.

If this is going to be a working knife the sheephorn will provide the best grip
when wet or bloody.
 
The ironwood would be my first choice of those listed, however stag would be my preferred material for the style knife you are interested in.
Don't think Arno uses much if any stag.
Stag is relatively inexpensive, durable, stable and generally offers a nice comfortable and sure grip.
 
Thanks guys. I kinda was leaning towards ironwood or warthog ivory allready. Guess I just have to make up my mind!!!!
 
I like the snakewood - the contrast looks great! Ironwood would be a close second.

--Carl
 
Aesthetically, I'd go for the Ironwood with the Snakewood second. The knife has really pleasing lines that are accentuated by the darker materials, I think you lose the contrast between the handle and blade on the lighter materials like the ivory and horn.
 
I would choose the warthog ivory because it looks good in the picture, and because it is not an extremely common handle material. The other three choices are kind of a dime-a-dozen in terms of how often you see them on knife handles.
 
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