Concerning wood handle blocks and whoever it is that cuts them...

Phillip Patton

Phillip Patton

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
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Am I the only person who finds 5" by 1-1/2" blocks too restrictive? Who decided to sell them that size? I think it should be changed to 6" by 2"
Who's with me on this?


Rant off. Thanks for listening. :grumpy: :)
 
I agree, and I've only been making knives for a short bit. Don't usually need the longer scales but the wider would be nice. I like to have a little wiggle room when positioning which part of the scale to use. Now granted with some of the more expensive woods, it's not cost effective for me to be too picky at this time. In other words, no one is paying me for my knives yet.

Charles
 
I agree. What committee decided on those numbers?
 
Alpha Knife Supply and some others will cut them whatever size you need. Alpha charges by the cubic inch. I have bought a few 6 x2 x 1 1/2 blocks of curly maple from them. They also have the dimensions listed for all of their "standard" blocks so you can pick and choose the one that suits your needs. I have foud recently that buying big chunks like 12 x12 x 3 (24 or more handle blocks) bowl blanks and 2 x 2 x18 (3 fat or 6 thin blocks) turning blanks saves a bit of money and gives you that "wiggle room"
 
Philip,
I completely agree! In order for me to make a large skinner with enough curve in the spine to fit my hand comfortably, it needs to be 1-3/4" in width, and that is still tight. Usually end up buying what the sellers refer to as pistol scales.
Matt
 
yep...6"x2" is what I cut. I dont buy the blocks but go ahead and spend the extra money on boards and cut what I need when I need it. Costs more at first but its cheaper in the long run too :)
 
I'm with Brian on this. Cut your own, then you'll know who to blame if it's not right.
 
just watch those fingers. One thing a small tablesaw stinks at doing is ripping 1/4" thick or similar pieces out. I wish I had a milling machine to rip oversized stock and mill to size.

Look up exotic turning stock. Very nice cheaper cuts that are very perfect for what we need.
 
Phillip Patton said:
Am I the only person who finds 5" by 1-1/2" blocks too restrictive? Who decided to sell them that size? I think it should be changed to 6" by 2"
Who's with me on this?


Rant off. Thanks for listening. :grumpy: :)
Click to expand...


Don't by your handle matertial in small quantities. Buy the whole piece of wood. You'll probably save money.
 
Guitar Neck Blanks. 1-1/2" x 4" x 32-36" is standard size. $40-100 depending on species and grade.
If you're willing to commit to a couple dozen knives' worth of the same wood, and have the tools to cut it up, I think the cost comes out pretty darn good. There's a LOT of waste involved in blanking out a neck, if there's a luthier near you he might hook you up with some?

http://www.bellforestproducts.com/guitar_neck.html
 
I sell all my blocks in 5" x 2" as I agree, 1 1/2" just dosen't allow for much freedom of design. I would post my store sire here but fear being lined up and shot by the big bad moderator monster!
 
Guitar Neck Blanks. 1-1/2" x 4" x 32-36" is standard size. $40-100 depending on species and grade.
If you're willing to commit to a couple dozen knives' worth of the same wood, and have the tools to cut it up, I think the cost comes out pretty darn good. 1-1/2" x 4" x 32-36" is standard size. There's a LOT of waste involved in blanking out a neck, if there's a luthier near you he might hook you up with some?
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That's a good idea, although you're somewhat limited as to the selection of woods.
Grizzly also has some good deals on curly and quilted maple. I just might order some...



Check this place out for turning stock and boards.
http://www.anexotichardwood.com/index.html

Gilmer has some neat boardstock, too:
http://www.gilmerwood.com/
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Thanks Fitzo, some good stuff there. :thumbup:


I sell all my blocks in 5" x 2" as I agree, 1 1/2" just dosen't allow for much freedom of design. I would post my store sire here but fear being lined up and shot by the big bad moderator monster!
Click to expand...

Why don't you upgrade to a knifemakers membership? Then you can sell stuff like wood in the supplies for sale area, and you'll be supporting BF. :)
http://www.gilmerwood.com/
 
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