Birch bark handles??

[rayban]

I'm pretty sure I've heard of them, but haven't seen them.
I've been given a good amount of it, now what? What do you do with it to make them handle material?
I'm pretty sure you have to layer it, but do you use epoxy or wood glue?
Has anyone examples of it??
Thanks!!

 

[Lucky Bob]

If you want examples, or more precise places to ask questions, look into Scandinavian knives. I know Finnish puukos are traditionally handled in birch, and I'm pretty sure the rest of the Scandinavian countries have similar traditions.

 

[me2]

I found a book by Bo Bergman at the local library. He shows how to make birch bark washer handles for scandinavian style knives. See if you can find the book somewhere near by. The basics are the same as making a stacked leather washer handle.

 

[rayban]

I found a book by Bo Bergman at the local library. He shows how to make birch bark washer handles for scandinavian style knives. See if you can find the book somewhere near by. The basics are the same as making a stacked leather washer handle.

I just now found a tutorial in the Scandi section of another forum, thanks!

 

[Fort Henry Custom Knives]

The Bergman book is the definitive resource for a translated book on making Scandi type knives. Birch Bark is discussed, how to harvest, cure and use it is all covered.

Even if your own Library doesn't have a copy they can request an "Inter Library Loan" from another Library that does have a copy, you will really like reading it and if you decide to try your hand at putting the Bark you have onto a knife this could save you some steps or keep you from making mistakes.

There are some wonderful inexpensive knives to try if you want to purchase a knife with a BB handle before making your own, look at the Iisakki Jaarvanpaa line or even our own ROS Arms knives has several great models.

Birch Bark is really a wonderful handle material, soft yet not squishy - fuzzy feeling yet not clingy... not the best terminology but you get the idea

Good luck.

 

[Ebbtide]

Iisakki Jaarvanpaa Aito

Birch bark is velvety, warm and a fine handle material.