Anyone do handle work on Katana's?

M

moblues

Joined
Jan 20, 2007
Messages
676
I purchased this Katana knowing full well what I was getting and thought it would be interesting to work with someone on either repair or a complete replacement of the handle. Any ideas or recommendations of someone you know who does good handle work for something this big?

Wishful dreaming, I know, but the idea of something in Micarta has my interest or . . . I dunno. I'm fairly new to handle materials beyond wood.

LVC was spot on in description and I like the heft and swing of the blade.
 
I've refinished a couple, like this one. Wouldn't be interested in doing a full handle replacement, but if you just need some repair work done, I may be able to help. If you want a full replacement, Terry Sisco at the Sarki shop might be the man to talk to.

Steve

Handle.jpg
 
No, heart is not set on Micarta, it was just an idea.

Steve, beautiful work.

Yes, HI Kat, bought from Last Gold Canary and his ad.
 
Moblues,
Quick little hijack, noticed you're in western Wa. Back in the mid 70's I worked the woods around Shelton & Raymond. Went to visit kin there after being promoted to civilian. Stayed a while for the good jobs & great hunting. After a couple years had to drift to Az. to dry out. Oh, to be young & footloose again.
Uplander
 
I don't know how you feel about it. But I love to get good blades and make them better.
I have 4 blades from Ragweed forge that I am putting handles on and another 2 on the way. I would say that I could do yours but it is going on 8 months to get the first 2 of the 4 finished. Afterwards I have to start on sheaths.
If you feel up to the challenge you may want to give handle making a try. Sure it isn't as cool as forging your own, or doing stock removal. But it is something to learn.
And ordering a Laminated carbon steel blade and getting it to your door for less than $20 then having a weekend project of putting a handle made from an old hammer handle, ax handle, or some other old hard piece of lumber is just way too fun.

If I were you I'd start small then move up to the sword. It may take you awhile to feel comfortable doing handles on an expensive blade, but personally I have more fun doing it myself than paying someone else to do it.

Also, you can shop for handle material at Texas Knifemakers Supply if you want the fancy stabilized stuff.
 
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