Handle replacement

[Jimjoenick]

This may be in the wrong place, but I don't quite know where it goes. I have a Kershaw Vapor 1640. Yes I understand this is not a favorite among the community, heck I think it looks weird. BUT it was my first knife I bought my my hard earned grass mowing money. Anyways, I was wondering how hard would it be to remake the handles. I would like to make them a solid piece without holes, but maybe some ridges or something, like leek handles or fancier. Long story short I would like to change this knife and make it more special/unique to me. I chose this knife because it is cheap and not the best. I would like to keep it a frame lock, so covering isn't what I had in mind. What steel you you guys recommend and where should I buy it from? There is no steel marking on the knife so I can't match it up. Any tips or sites are welcome. Thanks for any help.

 

[12345678910]

Being a frame lock, one side will be super simple, but the lock side will be more difficult.


I would use titanium 6Al4V or also called Grade 5


If you read Bob Terzuola's book it will help you.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/603203-Online-Knife-making-books-on-Google

Suppliers
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699736

 

[jawilder]

You could use any type of material for the front. Ti is hard to work if you don't have the right tools. Micarta, G10, or even wood should be fine to use as the front slab.