Handle ideas please!?

turbodog10

turbodog10

Joined
Aug 9, 2013
Messages
78
I just found out I'm going backpacking in Big Bend on 4/24-4/27 and I want to bust out a couple knives before then so, since I outsource my HT, I need to find a blank that's already hardened.

Here's what I found.
http://usaknifemaker.com/bushcraft-8-5-long-15-thick-ground-elmax-steel-heat-treated.html

What are your thoughts on how to handle* this blade? (*as in putting handles on it)

I like this look with the black micarta bolsters and it seems the blade is pin holes set up for that with the two pin holes up front. Right?

If I were to go with one solid piece on both sides, do you think the two main pin holes are too close together?

Also, How do I work that lanyard hole at the bottom? Do I bring my scales down to that sharp point and have holes drilled through the scales? Leave that piece exposed as some sort of glass-breaker thing? (i'm not real partial to that idea)

Suggestions, please. I know you guys will come through for me- you always do.
 
That "lanyard" hole is only 5/32 which is smaller than the pin holes. If I were doing a single slab handle I'd just use all 3 holes for pins and forget the lanyard but then you have to get two sizes of pins. I'm not a big fan of lanyards on small knives. If you can I'd also just grind off that pointy end and make it more rounded and have the scales extend to the end. Just my opinion of course.
 
Honestly, If I was going backpacking in one week, I would simply paracord wrap that blade and take it along. Trying to rush out a full handle would most likely end bad.
Also, I would order one of the Spec-Ops sheaths from usaknifemaker when ordering the blade. They are super good backpacking sheaths.
http://usaknifemaker.com/spec-ops-sheaths-and-access-c-142.html

You can do any of several styles of paracord wrap ( order plenty of paracord along with the blade and sheath). If you really like the look, make it permanent buy applying a VERY LIGHT brushing of thin epoxy. I like to use West System 105 epoxy resin with 207 hardener and apply it with a flux brush. Just brush on a light amount and let it soak in . It should not look "wet". Once the entire handle has been brushed, take a piece of an old towel, set the knife in a fold, and "squeeze" the handle hard. Repeat a couple of times to get any excess resin out. Check for any lint or threads stuck to the handle and set it in a vise to cure. Check in a few minutes for and drips, re-blot them if needed, and wipe off any resin on the blade with a bit of acetone if needed. When cured the paracord will be rock solid and grippy.
 
Have fun at Big Bend. This is my favorite season to visit - I've made half a dozen trips there over the years. Hiked the South Rim and Emory Peak a few times, did the Santa Elena and Boquillas canyon hikes, and the Chimneys and Devil's Den hikes.

The terrain is pretty unforgiving down there - personally, I try to take only trail-tested gear with me.

TedP
 
phillipsted said:
Hiked the South Rim and Emory Peak a few times, did the Santa Elena and Boquillas canyon hikes, and the Chimneys and Devil's Den hikes.
TedP
Click to expand...

That was YOU following us.:D

Wonderful part of the planet. I've spent a few fine days in the park and I 2nd TedP's advice on "trail-tested gear". Don't skimp on the Smartwools and bring a hair comb(trust me).


Stacy's advice on the para-wrap is spot on. Do a decent wrap for the trip, then consider working a more elaborate process when you return and have more time.

-Peter
 
The bushcraft blank is only 8" overall. Do you think the Spec ops sheath will have a few unfilled inches at the end with this knife? That would be undesirable.
 
The combat master 6" should work.

I was mainly showing a sheath that you could get fast and attach to either your belt or your gear.
 
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