Boss Jack gets new (homemade) scales

adrock1978

adrock1978

Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
2,538
So my project, started-life-as-a-black-CG and pumpkin Boss Jack, now stripped and mirror polished, wearing 550 cord as temporary grips.... *inhale, exhale*.... will soon have 3 new sets of custom scales. I couldn't decide on one material and color, so I bought 3. Combined with the torx fasteners, I can swap out the scales depending on mood.

2011-05-24_23-19-32_364.jpg


Here's what I got:
1/4" Bone Linen G10
1/4" Double Black (epoxy is black too) Canvas
3/8" Jade Ghost Canvas Micarta
2011-06-30_14-34-56_525.jpg


Here's how I think it should go: I'm gonna trace the tang onto the scales (x2). Then I'll cut out the basic shaped. At this point I'm gonna drill my holes and then my beveled counter sink holes to accept the torx. The material will be full width still, but the holes will be drilled to the final depth.

At this point I'm thinking I may fasten the scales right to the tang, or a mock up a tang using a .22 thick piece of something. I'm then going to sand the desired contours into the grip (round the edges, form a palm swell) Then... I'm going to cut/sand/grind a grip pattern like ropes, or herring bone or something. Finally I'm gonna polish to a smooth finish. The scales will then be fastened to the actual BJ tang.

Does this all sound right? Am I missing something? Anything unforeseen I should anticipate?
 
wear a mask, that stuff is rough.

also it will dull your saw blade like crazy.
 
Oh, and even if you use a drill press keep the g10/micarta clamped down. It lifts onto a drill bit much faster then wood or metal from my experience. I would save your favorite material for last just in case you have a few learning experiences on the way. The Jade Ghost canvas micarta would be my pick of the bunch just because it is unique. Sharp bits, cutting fluid and drill slow, micarta melts.
 
:D :thumbup: The jade was my choice for just that reason. The two others were impulse buys.
 
Hey, that's pretty cool. I'm just wondering, how much time did you put into it so far? I'm wondering what I need to put into it should I want to do the same thing. I can't wait to see pictures when complete!
 
Josh Sollenberger said:
Hey, that's pretty cool. I'm just wondering, how much time did you put into it so far? I'm wondering what I need to put into it should I want to do the same thing. I can't wait to see pictures when complete!
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I wouldn't say a lot of time, considering most of it can be done while watching TV. The stripping takes about 5 minutes on each side. The level of polishing is up to you, but near mirror like this, is about an hour each side, working up to 2000 grit paper. Drilling out the tubes is tricky, but again takes less than an hour. I can't comment on new scales though. As you can see I've yet to do it. I've never done it. It seems fairly doable though if you're not a complete Re-Re, and have some tools.
 
That Jade Ghost is awesome, where do you get slabs like that (sorry if its a noob question)? I can't wait to see pics of them finished! I would recommend using North Safety respirators they are usually the least expensive and the quality is second to none. I used to have to order them for work and no matter who I checked with those ended up with the best price. I might even have an extra lying around, with filters, PM me if you are interested.
 
InquisitorLord said:
That Jade Ghost is awesome, where do you get slabs like that (sorry if its a noob question)? I can't wait to see pics of them finished! I would recommend using North Safety respirators they are usually the least expensive and the quality is second to none. I used to have to order them for work and no matter who I checked with those ended up with the best price. I might even have an extra lying around, with filters, PM me if you are interested.
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Not a newb question. USA knife maker - http://www.usaknifemaker.com/handle-material-hardware-c-95.html
 
That Ghost Jade is AWESOME!!
Can't wait to see those when they're done!
The double black is my second choice.
I really like the idea of being able to swap the scales out when you want.
Looks great so far!!
Keep us posted on progress and maybe you could take pics along the way while you do the scales so we all can see and learn.
 
I have jade G-10 on my Fiddleback Palmer, and it is a sweet look. Have you thought about using spacers, too? Black spacers are awesome with the jade.
 
stjones said:
That Ghost Jade is AWESOME!!
Can't wait to see those when they're done!
The double black is my second choice.
I really like the idea of being able to swap the scales out when you want.
Looks great so far!!
Keep us posted on progress and maybe you could take pics along the way while you do the scales so we all can see and learn.
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Oh, of course I will. I'm all about snapping a zillion shots as I go. I'm trying to decide how to finish each material. Like, I think the bone will have some kind of classic finish/shape. Maybe just smooth hand shaped with no pattern. The Black is dying for some kind of tacticool pattern or something. I can really get a good contrast between sanded and unsanded sections. The Jade... I dont know... something you'd find in an Idiana Jones movie. We'll see... I have to surf the picture thread and some other knife brands for ideas.
 
adrock1978 said:
It seems fairly doable though if you're not a complete Re-Re, and have some tools.
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Sounds like you have a chance...lmao. I can't help take advantage of your sense of humor. Seriously, you got this. It is smooth sailing if you just take your time and do things right. I can't wait to see the end result either.
 
komondor said:
I have jade G-10 on my Fiddleback Palmer, and it is a sweet look. Have you thought about using spacers, too? Black spacers are awesome with the jade.
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I did. For the longest time I toiled over scale and liner combos, and how exactly you fasten two materials... and I heard there's an epoxy involved with some liners... and I got hung up on colors and I was getting no where fast. I decided to just pick a few solid colors, and do simple 1 piece scales for my first time. I hate unfinished projects, so I tried to keep it reasonable. I agree though, the Jade is screaming for a cool liner. Got any pics of your knife?
 
For contrast on Micarta try buffing the areas you want darker. It will get smoother but also darker. So say you wanted dips/valleys dark buff the dips/valley (not worrying to much about hitting the surrounding areas) and sand the rest to the grippy finish you want. Get my drift? Just an idea btw. Okay I am out of here I just love do it yourself projects. Have fun.

Kevin
 
richstag said:
For contrast on Micarta try buffing the areas you want darker. It will get smoother but also darker. So say you wanted dips/valleys dark buff the dips/valley (not worrying to much about hitting the surrounding areas) and sand the rest to the grippy finish you want. Get my drift? Just an idea btw. Okay I am out of here I just love do it yourself projects. Have fun.

Kevin
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I get ya completely. I was wondering that. So the raised areas can be grippy and the lower areas dark and polished... perfect! Or vise versa perhaps. Hmmm....
 
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