Hand Sanding

d dub

d dub

Joined
Mar 17, 2009
Messages
94
It's been weeks now, and I'm still working on my first knife. When I first began making it, I came close to ruining it beyond hope with the belt grinder. When it was suggested that I turn to files and sandpaper, I thought you guys were having a laugh on me at best, or trying to deal out a little newbie punishment at worst. But it's working out. I'm to the point of having just a few hairline scratches left on the blade, and it's taking on a personality all it's own. I think I'm addicted now.

The best thing about this process is that I have been given time to think ahead and visualize the final product, but I'm having trouble deciding on handle material.

How do you guys, especially the ones who use all different kinds of handle material, arrive at your decision? The knife is a simple camp/utility with a 4 inch blade, that will see normal EDC use.

Also, I tried searching, but could not find much on pin placement, or what is considered proper knife balance. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave
 
Well here's a side comment. I have a friend with his Master Smiths mark and he still spends hours sanding out his flat grinds. He does lovely work and beautiful finishing . Cloth micarta always makes a great handle for a true using knife, and wood is my second choice. Frank
 
I find filing and sanding theraputic. It helps me focus and clear my head. Handle material prefrence is just that, a prefrence, I personally like natural materials, Stag, Horn, Bone, Wood in that order. others prefer synthetics, Micarta, G10, Carbon Fiber, find what YOU like and experiment.

Jason
 
Deciding on handle material has several factors to it. Intended use is a biggie: obviously a knife for a salt-water fisherman should be something very resistant to rot, and maybe something extra grippy like neoprene.

Oiled woods will require more maintenance and even when taken care of, are likely to get dirty and lose some of their beauty over time.

Micarta, CF and G10 are pretty darn stable but look boring and "plasticky" to some people.

Stabilized woods can be the best of both worlds; gorgeous burls and figured woods that can stand up to a lot of abuse and keep looking pretty. I'm leaning more and more to using them most.

Like Jason said, use what you like.
 
I usually pace back and forth over my wood stock. Then I pick something up, then I put it down. Then I lay a few things out. Then I cahnge my mind. Handle choices are though ones.
 
I've only used wood and micarta, and I by far like wood better. Micarta is a nice handle, I just do not like working with it.
 
I prefer synthetics, mostly because I don't know how to stabilize the wood (nor do I want to pay to have it done) I use Lignum from time to time but prefer the contemporary look of g-10 and cord wrapped. As far a g-10 to combat that "plastic" look you can texture it w/ the corners of your bench grinder, or a file I imagine. That's just my style. You should take your style and compare it to readily available materials. Use what you have would be my advice, but I'm kind of a guerrilla knife maker. My 2cents anyway.
 
I usually just use something that looks right for the knife, unless there has been a specific purpose settled on before the knife is made.
 
Frank Niro is spot on. Wood is beautiful and very durable if properly stabilized, but micarta and G10 are bombproof, and if you use something textured or multicoloured (like green/black/pistachio G10) it is a great help in judging your symmetry.

Symmetry is beauty - in knives and... well, symmetry is beauty! :thumbup:

Rob!
 
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