handle size

marekz

marekz

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
1,699
i know. i know, all i have to do is look at the gallery and sale section-but i was wondering most blanks/scales have about a 5" lemgth. does anyone ever use the entire 5 inches. i think im going to start a ew trend and sell scales and blocks at around 4.25-4.5". Whats your average size--marekz:eek:
 
Typically 4 1/2 is min for a finished handle, I need some wiggle room to fit so I am looking for 5" min.
 
Sometimes the extra length is nice so you can roughly shape the profile and select the part with prettiest grain, or with burl, the part with the least inclusions/"flaws". That might be on one end, or in the middle of block. Other times it's nice to have a piece left over to use as a spacer on another knife, or even carve a little pendant or something out of. (I hate throwing away "scraps" :D) If you cut them closer to finished length, please make sure they're nice and square on at least one end.

Just my $.02, and worth every penny you paid for it. (I saw that line in someone else's post and have been aching to use it. :))
 
I have read other threads that suggest that many makers don't like the 5" length because it is too short. I personally would not be interested in shorter than 5" lengths. My latest project has a handle that none of the 5" scales/blocks I have will fit. Just my .02.
 
I also use the extra room on the scale to line up the grain/pattern just right to flow with the knife. Too short and you're locked in without options.

Better to carry a .45-70 or a .300 Winchester mag and run into only rabbits than to carry a .22 long rifle and run into a grizzly.

--nathan
 
I shudder to think what a .300 mag would do to a bunny! :eek: But you're right, especially about matching grain on scales.
 
Commercially, it doesn't cost any more to produce a 5" piece than a 4.5" piece, but as has been said your potential customer base is considerably reduced. Nothing wrong with producing short pieces as dictated by the raw material, just not good biz to do it deliberately unless you're making folder stock then it can be as small as 3.5" and priced accordingly.
 
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