Handle material alternatives

L

leo2

Joined
Oct 3, 1999
Messages
55
I know that I have broached this topic before - though of course I can't remember where now. Many decades ago, knifemaking pioneers here in the Northwest (and I am sure elsewhere) began casting aluminum onto tangs as handles. I am thinking specifically of Pete Gerber, Dave Murphy and Mort Aycock now. Though not very attractive, the functionality of the material was certainly there. I was wondering if aluminum would be a viable option for HI as a handle material?
 
Originally posted by leo2:
I know that I have broached this topic before - though of course I can't remember where now. Many decades ago, knifemaking pioneers here in the Northwest (and I am sure elsewhere) began casting aluminum onto tangs as handles. I am thinking specifically of Pete Gerber, Dave Murphy and Mort Aycock now. Though not very attractive, the functionality of the material was certainly there. I was wondering if aluminum would be a viable option for HI as a handle material?
Click to expand...
Hello Leo.
Look in FAQ,John Powell collection page5,pic"P".This blade shows up in others too,just can't remember where now take a look you'll see it.It does look good.

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Ray
 
Hey Bill,

How 'bout kraton handles?
smile.gif


I kinda like the idea of HI sticking w/natural materials. Maybe folks could (or have?) send in local woods if they want a khukuri customized w/something familiar and durable in their particular environments?!

Also, what kind of wood does HI use on its handles, btw?

I just recently got a WW II w/wood handle and have been really enjoying its feel. It shed some reddish color during the first 2-3 coats of linseed oil, but it hasn't affected its appearance. Also, I sanded it down a little to get out rough spots which were catching the soft cloth. I really like the feel that 400 grit sandppr gives it -- smooth, warm, but still very "grippy" in the hand. Nice!

Glen
 
Glen we use mostly rosewood and saatisal (Nepali oak). Sometimes I'll see black walnut and fruitwood. I think the reddish color that was shed is polishing compound.

I left some money with my Thai pal to buy and send some very exotic wood from Thailand to BirGorkha and he did. I think the first of this wood will be showing up on a couple of kothimodas, carved handles. It is beautiful wood, tougher than nails, and I don't think it will ever crack. I picked it out myself when I was in Bangkok. Expensive but top drawer stuff. The only name I can remember for the various woods is Ching Chan. A lot of good that does us!

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
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