Fluting ivory/twisted wire

[NickWheeler]

The way I've done spiral fluting on tapered handles of the past (i.e. dagger handle) was with a round bit in my dremel and a little fixture I made to secure the piece, followed by lots and lots of sanding with paper wrapped around pin stock.

I'm wondering what methods you guys are using.

Also, I've never done a twisted wire wrap (in-between the major flutes) and I want to try it. What's the best source for wire and what kind of wire do you use?

I have read of makers using an old hand drill to twist nickel silver wire, to get a uniform twist. Do you twist two strands, three, more???

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Nick

 

[Ed Caffrey]

Hi Nick!
I do the handle fluting by hand, starting with a jig I made that has four strings, evenly spaced around a metal two metal discs (one on each end). I run a piece of 1/4" all thread through the handle to secure the jig at each end. Give one end 1/4 to 3/4 of a turn and then use the strings to trace where the flutes will be. I use a rasp to start the flutes, then on to sticks and paper from there.
Whatever wire you use, make sure it's fully annealed, otherwise you'll have a tough time placing it. Two stands is what I always use, twisted to my taste. I use the same jig to trace lines for the twisted wire to lay in, and cut these smaller flutes about 3/4 depth of the twisted wire's thickness. These grooves need to go all the way up and over to the tang hole. Measure the wire and cut to fit. Drill a small hole at the termination point of the wire flute (right next to the tang hole(s) on each end. Then insert the wire, and use a round toothpick, driven into the hole (with the wire already in the hole), and break the toothpick off. The guard and butt cap will cover the termination points. Once I completed my MS dagger, I was sure I didn't want to make another one of those!

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Ed Caffrey "The Montana Bladesmith"
ABS Mastersmith
www.caffreyknives.com

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Snap on makes a great tool for twisting wire.
It is a plier that is made for twisting safty wire for bolt heads . Works great. Eds got the reat .. Lots of work.


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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
Happy Holidays!

 

[NickWheeler]

Two guys that would know!

Hey thanks a lot!

The last dagger I did I used string to mark the lines, but I hadn't thought to make a lay out jig like that. I had a hell of a time getting everything laid out uniformly. Great idea!

Thanks again,
Nick