File work Destroyed by handle shaping

S

slickedback

Joined
Nov 4, 2014
Messages
5
I enjoy doing freehand file work to the back of the knives I make. Full tang stock removal or pre-shaped blanks(I know I know). It is soothing to be in the shop for hours, and see the result take shape. What I do not enjoy is the shaping of the handle especially when I "nick" or gouge the file work with the sanding belt. When I have tried to shape the handle while off of the blade, I tend to get over aggressive and take too much off.
I have resorted to making two blanks of everything just so I can super glue the scales, shape the handle while on the "spare", then remove them and epoxy the finished handles to the file worked knife blank.
People know my knives for the file work, and specifically want it, but I'm at a loss and am tired of ruining scales and hours of hard work. Im almost ready to go to hidden tang exclusivley and tell people file work is no longer an option.

Am I missing something?
Should I:
1. Shape the blank(stock Removal)
2. Temporarily attach the scales and shape them to perfection
3. Remove them and set aside
4. File, shape, and heat treat and polish the blank
5. Attach the perfect scales

Maybe someone has the missing link I'm looking for.
 
I'm not a knife maker. On a lot of my knives with file work on the spine the file work is filled with black epoxy. Perhaps it is done for this reason.
 
I think you have the idea - I've used a blank tang for shaping scales, especially the front part of scale at blade where there is no bolster. I think you've got the idea - and as another gentleman says, "Slow Down" - working slow brings a peaceful easy feeling.

Ken H>
 
Stop using epoxy and use threaded fasteners. Remove the handles after shaping and then do the file work. Replace handles.
Slowing down and being careful in addition to the above will really help.
Personally, if I never saw another knife with file work I would be very glad. It's so over-used that I have been sick of it for years.
 
Bill, I can understand that you are sick of looking a knives with file work but my customers demand it and will pay an extra hundred for it. Most of them are not the least impressed if the bolsters are dovetailed and the tang is tapered but they love mosaic pins and file work. If production knives had file work and exotic wood, etc. none of us could sell a knife for a profit in my opinion.
 
I understand. It's just that I was doing those things 40+ years ago. I do agree that tasteful embellishment is desireable.
 
Wow, Thank you everyone. I really thought I was missing something. Even though I enjoy it to some degree I too am getting a bit tired of the vines, ropes, abstract, and general file duties. It adds 10 - 20 hours of work. It does however get a lot of word of mouth attention.
I think shaping and then performing the file work is the order.
I will post pictures after I read all the rules of the forum; and of course after the holidays. I work out of my single car detached garage which the wife insists on parking in! can you believe it?!?!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top