Handle Construction, Bolster

[Geoff]

My Sher Chiruwa Boomerang just arrived its an amazing piece.

I have a plan for some handle modifications, I know on this type the slabs are pinned to the tang section but how about the bolster? Is it solid brass? is it thin brass fitted over the handle slabs? Hollow? solid? How is it attached? How can I remove it for my custom handle?

I'm as of yet unable to search has anyone done any handle modifications? different materials, cord wrap etc.?

 

[Azraell]

This guy did:
http://www.daverishar.com/Rehandle/Rehandle.html

 

[Dave Rishar]

I have a plan for some handle modifications, I know on this type the slabs are pinned to the tang section but how about the bolster? Is it solid brass? is it thin brass fitted over the handle slabs? Hollow? solid? How is it attached? How can I remove it for my custom handle?

Every one that I've disassembled was thin and hollow. As I understand it these are made of sheet metal hammered to shape on a separate form, and then given some final fitting when the blade is attached to the handle. The interior of the bolster is more or less filled with laha.

The easiest way to remove everything is to file or grind the end of the peen off on the pommel end, and then boil the entire handle. The laha will eventually soften and release.

 

[Robin Shooter]

This guy did:
http://www.daverishar.com/Rehandle/Rehandle.html

That's a neat link. It's a testament to how strong the handle to blade union is that it takes all that effort to separate the two. I've kind of favored the Chiruwa handled khuks as they would seem to be intuitively stronger. After reading through that article, I'll have no hesitation in purchasing a HI knife with a hidden tang.