Favorite Handle Material

[Kevin Jones]

Sorry Kevin, I seem to remember you saying that you "kinda stick with stag and ivory handle material" once, but I may be confused, and looking at your collection I also see a few ramhorn and bone, I guess that is the "kinda" part. But you have to admit your collection of pictures is "kinda" focused: 100% Damascus: 85% either Stag or Ivory, 15% horn or bone, 0% Wood: 50% from one maker. Whatever your words say, your collection also speaks. This is your reference point and your basis for "advice" and "recommendations". Your view is respected, BUT, you have to accept that with such a focused perspective your points of intersect with other collectors will be fewer, this is not a personal issue, but a matter of fact.

Yes, my collection shows that I'm very focused on a particular type/style of knife being higher end ABS/ forged/damascus/engraved hunters and bowies, thus making me somewhat of an authority by default on these knives thus rendering credence to my "advise" and "recommendations" regarding such things as the whether wood handles effects the re-sale value of higher end knives.

Other than the fact that I love the type knives you see in my collection, I also "focus" because I feel in order for collectors to build collections that they will enjoy and interest them long term, they have to be knowledgeable in what they are buying. As I'm not intelligent enough to be an authority on ALL knives (as some are) or even more than one category of knives, I elect to "focus" on the type in my collection.

As you can probably determine from searching my threads/post, my main goal since stumbling onto this forum one year ago is to help new collectors and newer makers be successful in entering the customs community. So when opinions come up such as "selecting wood handles for higher priced knives" I will continue to advice them based on my experience in that area.

I think you will agree, that I offer many views and opinions (as many of us do), however reserve my "advice and "recommendations" to the few areas where I'm knowledgeable. And as with ALL advice,recommendations, views and opinions you can take mine or leave them.

And though my collection is quite focused thus limiting my broad knowledge, there isn't a day that I don't examine a dozen dealer sites and talk to at least a couple makers and or collectors. So I think that lends at least a little credence to my views and opinions outside the realm of my collection.

In addition Stephen, I am trying to broaden my horizons a bit in adding folders, and beleive it or not, I even had a very interesting experience sticking my toe in the high end stock removal waters recently. But I will not go into that here.

Originally Posted by Stephen F
Having said that, I may be wrong, as I have to admit I have trouble keeping up with you at times!

A few of you guys try to keep up with me though. Like analyzing and scrutinizing every word I write here at times it seems? But then, that's what makes this so fun.

Stephen

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[Stephen F]

Aaawwww .... no fair Kevin, you deleted the best bits of my post!

Stephen
(nemisis of "ex cathedra" ....... only kidding!)

 

[Kevin Jones]

Aaawwww .... no fair Kevin, you deleted the best bits of my post!

Stephen
(nemisis of "ex cathedra" ....... only kidding!)

No Stephen, I didn't delete them.

When you quote a post, previous quotes to that post do not return.

Surprised you don't know that as long as you have been here.

 

[ptgdvc]

Carbon Steel Bowie $800+ range:

Ironwood, Black Walnut, Stabilzed Exotic Wood, or Sambar Stag

Damascus Bowie/Fighter: $1000+range:

African Blackwood, Sambar Stag, Walrus or Elephant Ivory

I am not a folder guy, but Blacklip Pearl appeals me.

The crucial thing is that WHATEVER it is, must be the very best of its type.

Normally Sheephorn is not my thing, but here is a set of scales (that I think) makes my point.

P

 

[canineforge]

To quote 'jackknife' over in the traditional forum, "I think pocket knives are like ice cream, some like chocolate, some like vanilla, and then you get fans of rocky road and pastashio mint." The thread pertains to the size of the older traditional folders compared to some of the modern custom folders.
My girls have always given me a hard time for ordering a dip of chocolate and a dip of vanilla ice cream together when there are so many other choices to try. Some of us stay set in our ways as to what we like throughout life.
I guess that is how I am when it comes to handle material? To answer Josh's original question, I will go with chocolate (premium dark wood, preferably black walnut), and vanilla (ivory, preferably walrus) in most instances for fixed blades.
I like great stag or one of the ivories on folders, and have not become a fan of MOP. Or, ironwood (unless it is a user), for that matter. I guess I like high maintenence, since these are two of the more stable handle materials mentioned.
A nice touch Don and some other makers add to help the 'some-maintenance required handle materials', is a slight 'roll' of the handle material up to the fixtures.

One last thing. If I were buying a custom knife from another collector or purveyor, I am not quite as picky...it is more about the total package of the knife. If I am commissioning a knife, chocolate or vanilla please.

- Joe

 

[Charles M]

This is a great question with many great answers. Personally I put more emphasis on the shaping, contour, fit and balance than the actual raw materials but I do have some favorites. In no particular order:

- Highly figured woods of dark color paired with deep etched damascus

- Fossil ivory selected and crafted with a skilled set of eyes and hands

- Good canvas micarta with curves in all the right places

- Jabara maki ito over natural same

- Interframe folders with inlays of a wide variety of materials (Walker, Steinau)

- Damascus inlays on stainless (Loerchner)

 

[Joss]

Thinking some more about this, it's hard not to mention $$$. Don's ivory is out of this world but adds a significant amount to the maker's cost, and therefore the buyer's.