can cork be used for a handle?

SDS

SDS

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Oct 22, 2007
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I'm sure that it can and has been used but how durable is it? Is it worth the trouble and if so how would you finish it out? do you seal it somehow?

I found some really large corks and my mind kind of started wandering. I was thinking maybe it could be used on a bird and trout knife or a small fillet knife but I just don't know how you would finish it or if it would even be worth messing with.

I know that old fishing rods with cork handles that I have seen have varying rates of success when it comes to holding up to use. I have seen some that look great and others that are really tattered.

Just curious.

Thanks,
SDS
 
As with most materials, there are different grades of cork, then you have the binders for partical types such as birkenstock sandals use, I repaired my 36yr old birks with the contact cement, this is also a great sealer. Experiment and find the grade of cork you need for your application. I like a Japanese handle wrap over cork, it gives the best of both worlds. Have fun.
 
It is used . Somebody makes a knife with cork handle, I've seen it - perhaps Helle ?
 
mete said:
It is used . Somebody makes a knife with cork handle, I've seen it - perhaps Helle ?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure who makes it but I thought it was a Scandi/Puuko style knife too.

I think it would make a great handle. Probably not the most durable but definitely warm and comfortable.

When I was young kid I remember watching the fishing rod handles move from the standard cork to the black foam. I never got used to that stuff and to this day seek out poles with the cork handles.
 
They make cork floor covering now. It must be tough enough. I think it would be good on fillet knives.
 
I've seen stacked bark on some Scandinavian designs that look a lot like cork. Bo Bergman illustrated it in his book. It looks pretty neat. Don't know if cork would work or not. It might be worth a try.
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Cork is a bark from the cork oak, Quercus Suber. I replaced the handle of a Ka-bar with cork, has held up for 20 years.
 
Cork can be used to make some real nice handles. One of the best ways is to cut discs from sheet cork. Stack them just like a leather or birch bark handle. Glue it up under pressure and sand to shape. Dip in beeswax, resand with 400 and rub in some more beeswax, then buff. Another way to make a harder finish is to coat with a good sealer that will penetrate the cork a bit.Thin nitrate dope works well, as would CA,as a sealer. Birch bark handles are one of my favorites.
Stacy
 
I may have to give this a try. Thanks for all the responses. I swear I feel like some kind of addict. All I seem to think about is knives and what I can use this or that for. I saw the cork and my mind just started wandering.

I like the idea of sealing it with beeswax. The CA would seal it I'm sure but I think I want a softer finish. I'm not sure what "thin nitrate dope" is so I guess that one is out for me. I may have to experiment with the contact cement too.

I'll have to look at that cork flooring as well. That should wear better than what I had found.

Nate, that first knife you posted is very close to what I was imagining. Thanks for the picture.

SDS
 
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