How to make Fallkniven northen lights type handle ?

[Mikeg9]

I am currently finishing up my first knife.
& Now that i am done with the heat treatment i am looking to make a nice handle and these are probably one of the coolest handles i have ever seen

 

[Willie71]

Start cutting out leather washers.

 

[kuraki]

Search for leather washer handles or stacked leather handle. It's a pretty commonly discussed item with a number of different techniques. Basically make a stack of leather washers like Willy said.

 

[Mikeg9]

Thanks i will try to make the washers from an old leather belt

 

[12345678910]

Thanks i will try to make the washers from an old leather belt

No, don't do that.

You need veg tan leather.
That leather belt will rust your knife

http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_info.php?products_id=1987

 

[olymon]

No need to get to fancy with the leather punching. Run a series of holes using a belt hole punch in your leather washers. If you don't get it to hot you can use plastic file folders that come in a lot of different colors to make your accent colors. They are a great thickness for accent work. Search for old school in the custom and handmade and you'll see one I just finished. Not very fancy but you can see the color folder put to use.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You can also buy a bag of the pre cut/punched washers from many suppliers.

 

[ron_m80]

I personally like to change the thickness of the leather depending on the knife. The store bought washers tend to be pretty dang thin. Buying heavier leather in the 10-14oz. range can be pricey for one handle though.

 

[Hengelo_77]

try and buy a piece of leather shoe sole from a repair guy, that will be nice and thick
Make sure you allign the leather washers the same way around, all smooth side up or all smooth side down

 

[Mikeg9]

Thanks for the help she's finished. Its a little carving/neck knife!

 

[Hengelo_77]

 

[olymon]

Good first try. Soaking the leather in epoxy will let you have a very solid handle. Because you don't have a finger guard and pommel to compress the leather tighter, the soaked leather will also shape up without having that ripple to the outside.

 

[Mikeg9]

Good first try. Soaking the leather in epoxy will let you have a very solid handle. Because you don't have a finger guard and pommel to compress the leather tighter, the soaked leather will also shape up without having that ripple to the outside.

Thanks, is this step mandatory to soak it in epoxy wouldn't it ruin the nice feel of the leather ?

 

[Hengelo_77]

No you don't have to, you can leave it natural

 

[olymon]

No, no need to soak it in epoxy. Just a suggestion.