Attempting to make scales fit for a "king"

A

acerpower

Joined
Apr 27, 2013
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I'm definitely loving my BK9, and while the stock Grivory scales aren't bad I feel like this blade deserves better.
I really like my Micarta scales on my BK2, but I don't want to fork over the cash for another set.
So I feel that hardwood is the way to go. Since I already have some cherry that will be the hardwood of choice.
If it's free, it's for me!;)

I do already have them almost done for the most part. I just need to cut the "slots" for the nuts, do a bit of final light sanding, stain, and oil.

This is what I have so far.



I made each one about 1/32'' thicker so it will feel like my BK2 does in my hand, since the 9 is 1/16'' thinner.

I don't have a chisel that's narrow enough so I might just try and sharpen a screwdriver.:confused:

I'll post some more pics when I make more progress.
 
Wow, nice work! What color are you thinking for stain?
Can't wait to see them on the King
 
Thanks.
I think I'm going to go dark, but not too dark, and maybe a bit red.
I figure eventually the blade will be stripped since the paint is already starting to wear out in places.
But I still want them to look good with a black blade for now.
 
acerpower said:
I do already have them almost done for the most part. I just need to cut the "slots" for the nuts

I don't have a chisel that's narrow enough so I might just try and sharpen a screwdriver.:confused:
Click to expand...

Why not just buy a chisel? They ain't that expensive, are they? And with all the work you got in those scales, don't you want to do it right? Be a shame to bugger 'em up now.
 
bigghoss said:
Why not just buy a chisel? They ain't that expensive, are they? And with all the work you got in those scales, don't you want to do it right? Be a shame to bugger 'em up now.
Click to expand...

You definitely don't wanna skin a fart to save a nickel and ruin a twenty-five cent knife.
 
bigghoss said:
Why not just buy a chisel? They ain't that expensive, are they? And with all the work you got in those scales, don't you want to do it right? Be a shame to bugger 'em up now.
Click to expand...

I've got at least 8 chisels, just not one that narrow.
I'll look around and see if I can find something at the local stores.

I definitely don't want to mess them up, but I do have plenty of spare wood to try again if I do.
 
acerpower said:
I've got at least 8 chisels, just not one that narrow.
I'll look around and see if I can find something at the local stores.

I definitely don't want to mess them up, but I do have plenty of spare wood to try again if I do.
Click to expand...

How about a cheap knife or a pocket knife with a broken blade that you could sharpen the broken tip to make a smaller chisel?
 
Those are some really nice looking scales!
Just an idea, could you burn the nuts into the wood or is there too much material?
Seems if you're going to go dark then it wouldn't mater if it blackens the wood in the nut holes. Maybe try it on a scrap piece of wood.
 
That thought crossed my mind too.
I might try that if I fail at the slot for the nut.
Call me stubborn but I like a challenge.

I used to have a chisel shaped blade for an Xacto knife.
If I can't find it I'll try and get a new one, or modify one.

The heated nut idea might be the way to go too.
I'd like to figure out a semi easy way since I'd like to make a few more sets for future purchases
I see a 10, and a 7 in my future.

Thank for all the kind words everyone!
 
Those look awesome.
With that grain pattern, they have a bit of the micarta "topographic" look.
I have one of those x-acto chisel tips. It seems like it would be a hair too big. They do have the 1/8" slanted one, but I don't think I'd have the patience for that.
I'd probably break 3 or 4 of 'em before I finished the set.
 
I would suggest a method I read about here once.
Take a spare nut, attach it to a bolt and heat it to red hot. Then just push it towards the hole to burn out the pattern.
Best way to do it will be if you put the bolt in your drill-press. If you got one..
 
Those look great. With a little oil and sanding they will look great!

One day gotta make a set of these for myself.
 
I think I'd go with the "Esee method" with the coupling in the middle, those are VERY nice looking scales man! Good job!
 
Those look great! I wish I had skills like that. Have you considered treating the wood with Teak oil? From what I understand it works well on all hardwoods. I use it on the outdoors wood on my boat and 1 treatment per year is all i need to keep the wood looking good - despite getting the crap beat out of it by sun and rain daily (no boat cover). It leaves a nice dark redish color.
 
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