Hardware for Handle

OutdoorsFamilyMan4

OutdoorsFamilyMan4

Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Messages
2,278
I am trying my hand at making wood scales for a cheap neck knife I have (Benchmark Rucksack) before I attempt making them on my 1084/diamondwood project. I am gonna head to the local hardware store/home depot/lowes and find some screws to mount the handle. I want the scales to be removable. How do I know what size to get? The thickness of the scales and knife are 13/16" before I do any sanding. The scales are just cut out. Do I need to wait until I shape them completely? Oh and the holes in the handle are slightly larger than 1/8" My 9/64" drill bit fits snugly in the hole. Anyone?????
 
Last edited:
According to what I found in the Machinery's Handbook, a no. 6 screw should fit through the 9/64" hole. I'd recommend getting stainless steel.

I usually mount the scales on the knife and shape them while they are on the knife. This lets me see how it looks and feels as i do the shaping. I tape the blade with painter's tape, a layer of duct tape and a cardboard sheath to protect the edge from damage and damaging me.

Make sure you countersink the screws enough so that they don't get sanded down as you shape the scales.

If you can, use some decent hardwood on your practice knife. There is quite a bit of time and effort that goes into it. If it ends up being really nice, you will have a nice handle on you knife and you won't kick yourself for using some blah looking soft wood or plywood. Hardwood flooring scraps are a good source of handle material. I've gotten hard maple, birdseye maple, black walnut, oak, and Brazilian walnut flooring scraps at a local building materials recycling center.

Also do a search on the forum about "blocky handles".

Ric
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top