Bolsters

MountainBilly

MountainBilly

Joined
Nov 13, 2007
Messages
402
So, I'm studying my BK2 and I've decided that in redoing the handle what would really be in the spirit on the knife is to put on wrought iron bolsters. I searched this forum and couldn't find any reference to bolsters. has anyone put bolsters on a Becker?

I have never done them, but the guy who has showed me some of the ropes in knife making uses bolsters on all his knives. I've arranged to pick up some wrought iron at the OKCA show and when I get back I'll go over to Don's and give it a shot.
 
Sounds like a cool idea. Be sure to post some pictures when you get them done. Just curious but why did you decide to go with wrought iron over something like a wood or micarta?
 
sounds intriguing. Ive always like a nice bolstered knife. Were u considering a rear cap too? What handle material were u gonna put on with it? I def wanna see this, and please include ''making-of/how-to'' pics! Ambitious project... cant wait.
 
Nsvens89 said:
Sounds like a cool idea. Be sure to post some pictures when you get them done. Just curious but why did you decide to go with wrought iron over something like a wood or micarta?
Click to expand...

Having an inch of steel as the first part of the handle behind the blade is extra protection for the rest of the handle which will be wood.
 
thrillbilly said:
sounds intriguing. Ive always like a nice bolstered knife. Were u considering a rear cap too? What handle material were u gonna put on with it? I def wanna see this, and please include ''making-of/how-to'' pics! Ambitious project... cant wait.
Click to expand...

I thought about a wrought iron pommel but IMO given the proportions of the knife it wouldn't look as good and there isn't any functional need for it. The first pin will secure the bolster and the second and third pins will secure the wood. A single pin in the bolster is a signature of Don's knives. He bevels the bolster / wood handle interface to strengthen the union of the two elements of the handle.

I'll be using cocobolo for the handle behind the bolster. Despite being in the sticks we have the headquarters of a hardwood chain in nearby Port Townsend. They received a new cocobolo shipment a few weeks back and since then every time I'm in the area I stop and spend twenty minutes selecting pieces. I'm still nowhere near going through the stack. There is some gorgeous stuff in there and at $10 a board foot my cost per handle will be about $2.
 
Will the iron bolsters be angled such that they help to secure the wooden portion of the grips?
 
DerekH said:
Will the iron bolsters be angled such that they help to secure the wooden portion of the grips?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I used the term "mitered" but I'm not sure of the correct term. Matching bevels where the iron and wood meet cause the bolster to overlap the wood.
 
cubsfan1969 said:
Mountain I know that thing is going to look bad-a&$ when you are done with it! I can't wait!
Click to expand...

Either that or I'll have to buy another BK2 and try again. Talked to Don Norton and will drop by his shop tomorrow to show him the knife and talk through the project. Will be at OKCA 4/13-15 and I'll pick up the wrought iron and hopefully a couple more Beckers. The following week we'll drill the holes, grind the bolster / wood handle bevel and glue it up. On the next visit I'll grind the bolster/handle down to final form and hopefully not screw it up.
 
MountainBilly said:
Either that or I'll have to buy another BK2 and try again. Talked to Don Norton and will drop by his shop tomorrow to show him the knife and talk through the project. Will be at OKCA 4/13-15 and I'll pick up the wrought iron and hopefully a couple more Beckers. The following week we'll drill the holes, grind the bolster / wood handle bevel and glue it up. On the next visit I'll grind the bolster/handle down to final form and hopefully not screw it up.
Click to expand...

Lmao, I just stripped the coating off the blade of mine, here you have appointments set up for yours like its going to see a doctor! :D
 
MountainBilly said:
at $10 a board foot my cost per handle will be about $2.
Click to expand...

Super jealous. Cocobolo is $65 per board foot at my local stores right now. It's expensive stuff around here right now. Don't suppose you'd be interested in picking up some nice birdseye cocobolo for me? :)
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
Super jealous. Cocobolo is $65 per board foot at my local stores right now. It's expensive stuff around here right now. Don't suppose you'd be interested in picking up some nice birdseye cocobolo for me? :)
Click to expand...

I didn't see any birdseye cocobolo. They have a cut off ends box where I've found lots of nice hardwood, picked up birdseye maple there a few times. In the photo is $3 of flamed purpleheart also from the ends box. I've picked through most of the cocobolo and this is my haul. Chalk shows board feet so these 3/4" thick boards were between $3.50 and $5.50. I may have to wait a year for the next batch so I've grabbed all the pieces I've really liked. If any of you are going to OKCA I'd be happy to bring a piece for you.

545031_3265423467577_1026969509_32602368_2134526224_n.jpg


545240_3265423947589_1026969509_32602369_1694197333_n.jpg


527627_3265424707608_1026969509_32602370_1662778625_n.jpg


ps: looking over the photos, perhaps a few of these do have birdseyes.

pps: At Don's this morning to talk over the project I noted that he uses one decorative pin and two 1/8" pins in the bolster. You can't see the 1/8" pins because they are 416 SS, same as his bolsters.
 
Last edited:
I am 100%-pasteurized-processed-American-food-product excited for this mod to be complete and photographed. Please carry it through!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top