(gun) checkering a knife handle ??

M

MT Borg

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Jun 14, 2007
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A class in gun checkering is about a month away and I was thinking about taking the class so I could checker knife handles. But am concerned that it might not be a welcome feature on a knife. Checkering micarta might be interesting but the handle area is so narrow, I don't know if it would be interesting.

Anyway, I would appreciate your thoughts on it. The class is offered in Kalispell MT July starting 17th for 5 days.

I took their AR building class last year and was very impressed, built 2 great guns.
link to classes:
 
How's this for "interesting"

ee1cb631a6514a45121018042b70f001_zpsf7837a72.jpg
 
Checkering handles is not generally done with a checkering file. It is done with checkering tools that are used to checker gun stocks. Checkered handles are pretty rare, but are something you could use to distinguish your work from others. I think you could also checker handles for other makers, if you were so inclined.
 
I have a checkering set and have played around with it. I actualy have a knife in the making that I want to checker.
I love the look. A very basic handle can be done with a checkering file, but a more shaped handle will need checkering tools.
The basics aren´t that hard but I think you´ll need lots of practise to realy master it.
I don´t know what they´ll teach in those 40hrs but it could be very impressive.
On the other hand, I don´t know if that knolledge will be valuable for knife making only.
But if you can afford it money and time wise, it sounds like a good week.
(the tools you need will cost money as well)
 
Checkering that is well done looks great on a knife.

It is pretty much relegated to safe queens and high end collectables since it wears on a user. Layout and cuts have to be very well done since there is such a small canvas to work on. Any bad lines/angles/cuts/etc. will stick out horribly.
 
You can order all the tools for checking from Brownell's. I'd recommend getting the fancy set if I were you. I bought the more basic one, and it's kind of a pain to change out the bits, also consider getting some very fine "v" chisels, you'll need them for finishing corners and such. Be prepared for you first efforts to look like crap... I know mine do! it's a serious art form to master, especially if you are planning any crazy curves!
 
bladsmth said:
It is pretty much relegated to safe queens and high end collectibles since it wears on a user.
Click to expand...

I never handled guns much (meaning never) but I thought that if would not be that bad. Is the checkering that aggressive?

Sounds like a cool class. Anything that can speed up getting the basics down so you can practice faster is good. I also got a set from Jantz and will be giving it a try this winter.
 
Patrice - s'user sur le manche de couteau ( I hope that make sense)


I meant the checkering wears down on a knife's handle that is used often.
 
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I have a Tommy Gann boot-knife with a checkered handle. Beautiful knife and the checkering really makes it stand out. If you want to learn checkering then I would not pass up a class room instruction on it. I've bought a lot of tools and books and videos on it after getting that boot-knife. Would love to take a class. If you do buy tools from brownells make sure you get a C&R FFL for 30 dollars and send it to them. They will give you dealer prices on everything. If you buy the more expensive tools it will pay off big time. I'm not sure how much a checkering set save you if anything.
 
I've checkered some handles. I like them hard enough to take a sharp checker though I often "knock" the top off so it's not so aggressive nor prone to breaking. Done 15 hori-hori gardeners in a very very hard cherry wood that checkered and has worn well (at least for 4 years). I may even have some tools when it comes to that for ya.
 
This isn't checkering, but it's a similar concept:

10.jpg~original


It's durable and feels good in the hand. It's done by machining the scales with a ball endmill and tweaking the angles and step over to create a diamond pattern. This approach is becoming more common and more popular as folks are starting to use CNC more in their process.
 
:D
Nathan the Machinist said:
This isn't checkering, but it's a similar concept:

10.jpg~original


It's durable and feels good in the hand. It's done by machining the scales with a ball endmill and tweaking the angles and step over to create a diamond pattern. This approach is becoming more common and more popular as folks are starting to use CNC more in their process.
Click to expand...
I'm a fan of those Nathan I think they would be good on gutting knives as I'm a hunter and need all the grip I can when elbow deep in a whitetail:)
 
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