This might sound like a stupid question for most here but its the thing that is giving me the most trouble. After sanding the scales to the tang how do you go about shaping your handles. I like a half round contour as opposed to a flat handle so I tend to contour up to the top and bottom of the tang. I usually have go back with the disc or my recently purchased spindle sander to flatten it back out. How do you keep the tang flat and still get a good contour?
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Handle sanding question
- Thread starter KFU
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2004
- Messages
- 159
Rasp, files and sandpaper if you don't have a grinder.
I have a grinder, I guess my question is do you sand flat to the tang and than run an angle all the way around to start your contouring? In effect, not ever touching the tang again? Sorry if I am not clear, I dont really know how to explain it better.
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 38,475
Do the whole handle as one operation.
First, rough grind down to near the tang, and remove any great amount of excess thickness on the sides. Then knock off the corners so the handle is an octagon. Then start shaping the curves, and bring it all down to the tang at the same time.
First, rough grind down to near the tang, and remove any great amount of excess thickness on the sides. Then knock off the corners so the handle is an octagon. Then start shaping the curves, and bring it all down to the tang at the same time.