Coke Bottle Handle

J

J Lensmire

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 30, 2021
Messages
209
I really like the looks and feel of a Coke bottle handle, but I really don’t know the best way to achieve one. Does one use rasps, files and sandpaper by hand? Or, small wheel attachment, low speed on grinder? Or am I completely off the mark?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
 
I tried it a few times with the 12oz size, but the bottle was too big for my hand. I found an antique 6oz bottle on eBay. I drilled a hole in the bottom, but broke the glass trying to peen the tang. I decided coke bottle handles weren't worth the trouble.


Seriously, here are some tips:
1) It fits the style and shape of a larger knife like a bowie or other frontier/camp knife. Of course, it is a classic folder shape, too, but that is a different thing.
2) It is easiest to do with the handle mounted on the knife. It works quite well on a through tang. This allows taking it off and on as you do the final shaping and fine sanding.
3) Shape the handle profile pretty much as normal then add the "coke bottling" to the sides and bottom on the back half. It is easiest if you leave the handle with flat sides until you start the concave shaping. This makes adjusting the position and angle of the coke bottling possible.
4) Don't add the concave to the top. It should be the same as any Bowie/fighter handle. Don't make the junction of the coke bottling in the middle of the handle sides straight vertical. Angle it from the top forward to the bottom at around 20-30°.
5) Don't make the coke bottling too deep. It is a shallow curve. It is easy to deepen it slightly, but impossible to make it shallower.
6) Go slow and work all surfaces a little at a time. Sneak up on the final shape. Make sure it is perfectly symmetrical from side to side. Even the tiniest difference will show badly.
7) "FEEL" the fit as you go. You can change it a little if needed. The angle and position of tip #4 can be moved forward as needed as you file/sand, so start a tad back from where you think it will be. I like my ring and pinky fingers to fit the concave bottom and sides.

Tools and Materials:
Start with files when learning how to make the coke bottling.
1"wide half round medium cut files are great. 1/2" round file is also useful. I think coarse rasps are too aggressive for this type shaping.
Small contact wheels from 1" to 4" are good once you get the procedure down. Slower speed is probably better if you have VS.
A pro can do the whole thing on an 8 or 10" wheel in a minute ... but do it wrong and you will have to start over again on a new handle.
Use round soft backing blocks for sanding the curved surfaces. Be gentle and pay attention. It is easy to over-sand and deepen the concavity or move the center.
Sand to at least 400 grit and preferably 1000 grit. Again, go slow and do it evenly!
I am not a fan of surface finishes like built up oils and varnishes on these type handles. If that is your thing there is no problem, it's just not my style.
Some materials that work well are - micarta (especially the older canvas types); highly figured and hard woods like Desert Ironwood, African Blackwood, Cocobolo, figured walnut, maple burls; and the king of good looking handles - Curly maple; (plus many more hardwoods).
Stabilized wood is great here because it sands with a fine powder and polishes wonderfully.
Materials like California Buckeye Burl are wonderful once stabilized. Take stabilized woods to 2000 grit and buff.
 
Thank you sir. I think my one main problem was trying to accomplish the look on too small of handle. I’ll have to make a “practice” knife and get to work.
 
It's still on my "to do list"
I have to design a Better version than what's available, I think.... ;)

Although, I've Never held a knife with a good one.
-And have bought from some Named makers.
Maybe it's my hands, idk? They just aren't comfortable in my hands.

As of now, I think they are a gimick, just for show. I know im going to catch flak for it.

Or.....the Only thing I can think of is they are So specific, they will fit such few people. Made for that One person's hands. Limiting actual Users.....
Yes, they look pretty in your safe.
 
Most are too deep and not properly shaped. That makes them not "fit" the hand.
I agree that the very accentuated coke bottle handles are not good to hold. They are for shelf queens.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Most are too deep and not properly shaped. That makes them not "fit" the hand.
I agree that the very accentuated coke bottle handles are not good to hold. They are for shelf queens.
Click to expand...

Haha.... I thought I was going to get Yelled at for talking blasphemous
 
I usually rough them in on an 8in wheel then off to the vice to dial everything in with rasps and files. It takes a little practice and patience but the results will be worth the effort👍
 
Without a doubt folks that end up with my kitchen knives LOVE the coke bottle shape. Like stated it's easy to over due but I cut out the bulk with my porta band saw. Then like always take to my oscillating drum sander tool to finish is mere minutes. Dust collection is incredible with a standard shop vac and the huge table makes for a stable rest. Love my osciallting drum sander now that I learned how to use standard sand paper of different grits on it.
 
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I will say if someone likes a coke bottle handle on a kitchen knife they are likely holding the knife wrong, if you hold the kitchen knife in a proper pinch grip you don’t gain any benefit from the coke bottle shape and a simple contoured handle is just as comfortable and more universal. Andy Roy of Fiddleback forge does really nice coke bottle handles and has put out videos on how he shapes them using a large wheel and a small wheel to get into the inside contours. I believe he uses a 10” wheel and then a 1.5”-2” wheel. I think those style handles really work best on outdoor or bushcraft knives where you are often holding the knife in a simple hammer grip.
 
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