How to cut jimping on custom knife scales (e.g ZT 0560)

[Slauterhause]

I'm looking to get into making some scales for a few of my ZT knives, but something is holding me back. For the life of me, I can't wrap my brain around how to cut that shallow jimping in the scales. I'm a woodworker who very often uses pattern bits on my router table, but nothing with such a tiny diameter as to be able to pattern off the existing scales, for that jimping. Are they just cut with a small round file? Is there some specific tool I'm unaware of? Any advice would sincerely be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[TravisH]

I used small diamond needle files to add jimping knife spines. Should work on scales too.

 

[Slauterhause]

Thanks Travis, I guess everyone else uses CNC to do theirs...

 

[Spyder328]

They put the original scale on the blank they are gonna use, trace it out, then they drill holes where the jimping is. That way when they cut out the shape the jimping is already done

 

[Slauterhause]

They put the original scale on the blank they are gonna use, trace it out, then they drill holes where the jimping is. That way when they cut out the shape the jimping is already done

That makes a lot of sense, thanks.

 

[NJBillK]

You can also take a chainsaw file in the preferred diameter to the scales. They will leave a relatively smooth cut when light pressure is added.

 

[Keyman]

 

[Slauterhause]

Thanks NJBillK - those look very useful. Having never sharpened a chainsaw blade, I didn't know such a thing existed.

Keyman - a picture is worth a thousand words eh? Thank you. I dare say I get it now.

 

[NJBillK]

On the plus side, the chainsaw files are used to sharpen hardened high carbon steel. Due to that, they are quite long lived and versatile. Want to cut a notch for a ferro rod, get the diameter you need and go to town. Want to add jimping through micarta with stainless liners, don't even think twice, just go ahead.

I have an old set from a few years ago and they still work fine. Don't push too hard, let the file do the cutting and they will last you for awhile.