How hard to put handles on a fixed blade without special tools?

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WILLIAM BOTTS

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Jan 29, 2020
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I have a couple of fixed blades that the rubber handles are tacky and sticky, I have a post on this forum about how to fix them and will be trying this weekend to do so. However in case the handles are beyond help, how hard is it to put handles on? The knives have full tang and have the two piece handles now held on by torx screws. I looked at SMKW at their handle materials and will probably go with something easy to cut and file. I have no electric saws and I will have to do everything by hand with hacksaw. I have no grinders and only hand files but can buy whatever file types I need. What handle material would be best and easiest to work with when I don't have special tools? Thanks for any help
 
yep wood.
A cheap dremel like rotery tool might be worth it. It may come in handy for non-knife making tasks as well.
I like to contour scales wit sanding drums
 
Hengelo_77 said:
yep wood.
A cheap dremel like rotery tool might be worth it. It may come in handy for non-knife making tasks as well.
I like to contour scales wit sanding drums
Click to expand...
Yes I have an electric dremel type tool it's a Walmart brand as well as cordless drills, just not the electric saws I see on youtube that people use. I tried Armor all on the handles and seems to be good now but I have decided to go and make me some handles anyway just in case. My wife said if I do well that she has some kitchen knives for me to do. I also noticed the nylon sheaths look not so good, so I may need to buy some leather and do that too. Just recently bought a 10x10 storage building and wondered what I can use it for as we didn't have much to go in it. May start me a little handle and sheath making project spot in there. thanks
 
Micarta is easy to file and won't chip out on you. Also is cheap, tough, and can handle getting wet without problems.
Will cut just fine with a hack saw and looks just fine with a fairly rough grit sanding....220 is fine but still holds nice in the hand even polished up. It's really stable as well. Pretty tough to beat for a good, cheap, functional handle........don't breath the dust.
 
WILLIAM BOTTS said:
Yes I have an electric dremel type tool it's a Walmart brand as well as cordless drills, just not the electric saws I see on youtube that people use. I tried Armor all on the handles and seems to be good now but I have decided to go and make me some handles anyway just in case. My wife said if I do well that she has some kitchen knives for me to do. I also noticed the nylon sheaths look not so good, so I may need to buy some leather and do that too. Just recently bought a 10x10 storage building and wondered what I can use it for as we didn't have much to go in it. May start me a little handle and sheath making project spot in there. thanks
Click to expand...

This is how it starts, next year you'll be asking about 2x72 grinders. 😄
 
WILLIAM BOTTS said:
Yes I have an electric dremel type tool it's a Walmart brand as well as cordless drills, just not the electric saws I see on youtube that people use. I tried Armor all on the handles and seems to be good now but I have decided to go and make me some handles anyway just in case. My wife said if I do well that she has some kitchen knives for me to do. I also noticed the nylon sheaths look not so good, so I may need to buy some leather and do that too. Just recently bought a 10x10 storage building and wondered what I can use it for as we didn't have much to go in it. May start me a little handle and sheath making project spot in there. thanks
Click to expand...
100 square feet is more than enough room to get started out with. I'd begin by making a sturdy bench to do your work on, mount a vise to it and get yourself a little drill press. No need for anything fancy. Definitely make sure you have great lighting, it makes all the difference
 
Yeah drill press is pretty important because you need the screw holes in the handles to be 100% perpendicular
 
If you like the general shape and size of your handles...?

I suggest looking into silicone tape wrap. It's used as an emergency fix for plumbing and whatnot.

I've put it successfully on a handful of knives.
Ironically, I love the rubber feel/texture of SYKCO handles. They feel great.
Except, their size and shape Suck for Me. They feel tiny, and diminutive (to me)

I've complained a bunch about it, and it appears my normal sized hands just weren't made to hold them......


Good news, that silicon tape saves the day.
better still, No tools needed. :)
 
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