Handle liners?

[oilburner]

I'm in the process of shaping the curly maple scales for my first knife, and looking through a lot of the pictures in posts here, I see what people refer to as "liners" between the scales and the steel. What purpose do they serve, if any? Are they merely asthetic, and if they do serve a purpose, what materials are they made from? Thanks for all the help, Mark.

 

[Dan Pierson]

Some people believe that vulcanized liners provide some shock protection to the scales. I don't know if that is true or not but they do look good

 

[oilburner]

Thanks Dan! 'Nuff said then. Mark.

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

I've used them as bling but they also sturdy up a frame once the cavity is cut. I posted some pics on the custom and handmade page of a dagger with nickle silver liners that had been gold plated. A lot of guys use filework and really make their knives POP.

 

[coolhandluke4]

Just for looks, but sure makes them look nice

 

[oilburner]

This is a great site,I've learned quite a bit so far. Thanks everyone. Mark.