BK15 with a new handle

Don W

Don W

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Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Messages
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Let me start by saying I am a novice in terms of making handles. This is the second one I have done. The first one was over 20 years ago.
I collect older pocket knives and I love the way well worn ebony feels, warm and heavy.
The handle on the BK15 was too thin for me, so when I decided I needed to rehandle the BK15 I knew exactly what I wanted.
I ordered ebony scales and nickel silver pins. I made sure I had epoxy and sandpaper.

I maybe used too much epoxy and had it squeezed out all over.

Clamped with pins in.

I cut extra wood off around tang with scroll saw. I then used a lil 1 inch drum sander in my drill press and a 1" belt sander to get it pretty close.
Everything else was hand sanding.



I got done with the 320 grit and washed it off, dried it, removed the blue tape and oiled the handle, buffed with a hand towel.

It feels really good in my hand and I am happy with how it turned out. Some of you who have put thicker handles might now what I forgot. :) I went to put the knife in its sheath and I can not snap the tabs. I think I am going to order some leather now and get ready to make a sheath. Thanks for looking.
 
Beautiful work man, really. Looks excellent. :thumbup:
 
Turned out Great looking! Good job.

For the strap, you can soak the strap in water, then stretch and button it, then let it dry over the next day or two. When you unbutton it, you should have a little more reach.
But, leather is always a nice touch.
 
Job well done Sir, always wanted to make my own scales but am afraid they aren't gonna came out that nice, believe i don't have the skills and I'll probably end messing everything up, i guess i do have to start with small and cheap knives, anyways i'll give it a try, thanks for sharing !!!
 
Thanks for the compliments all.

Kentwood33 Make a pla and just go slow. It takes the same amount of time and concentration to do a cheap knife. Might as well use one that you will want when you are done.
 
Don W said:
Thanks for the compliments all.

Kentwood33 Make a pla and just go slow. It takes the same amount of time and concentration to do a cheap knife. Might as well use one that you will want when you are done.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice, absolutely i'll give it a try.
 
Beautiful work. A 15 just doesn't seem right without a pained blade, wood scales and a leather sheath. Enjoy!
 
Very nice looking. I made wood scales for one of my work 15's; now the other two hardly ever get used. Although leather is a great option, the stock sheath will accommodate a thicker handle, but only about an 1/8th" or so. Funny enough, I used Mexican ebony for my scales. I really like the looks of yours. Nice job.
 
The scales look awesome. I made a set for my 11 this weekend but nowhere near the caliber of yours. Still need to stain mine, maybe ill just do tung oil.

I cant wait to see what you do next
 
That's terrific!!! I'm going to reattempt the antler scales on my 15 after the first of the year thanks to your inspiration!

Zieg
 
Awesome job! Can't wait to get my sander next month. Also gotta work out that router jig GSOM rigged in another post.

I think you need a few more beauty shots to really do it justice!
 
NCSlice said:
Awesome job! Can't wait to get my sander next month. Also gotta work out that router jig GSOM rigged in another post.

I think you need a few more beauty shots to really do it justice!
Click to expand...

And a few added to the Beckerhead Knife Making and Modification thread, please.

As to the router jig I rigged up (found here), the process only cuts the profile, not the contours and, if you want to keep the lanyard cutouts, might not work that great for tweener scales. The tweener scales I made I did one-off.

One suggestion, DonW - or for anyone else thinking about making their own scales: I would suggest filling in the tang cutouts with some scrap material; not only for support of the scales but also to provide substantially more surface area for the epoxy bond. Straight pins really only address shear failure; they do little in the way of actually holding the scales to the tang. Voice of experience informing this 2¢.
 
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