Recommendation? How to texture some scales

[Maelstrom78]

Hi all,

I'm fixing to make some textured micarta scales for a small fillet knife.

My plan was to profile, get the scales down to thickness and give them a bit of shape before using the small wheel on them.

Sound about right?

How much shaping at the edges of the scales do I do before using the small wheel? Looking online it looks like some don't do any at all.

Anyone have some tips?

Everything is on YouTube I know but I figure with the knowledge available here others like me can get a better way to do it.

Thanks!

 

[kuraki]

When I do that I shape the handle completely as if I was finishing it smooth, round the edges, profile etc, then cut the texture last.

 

[Randy3000]

The reason a lot of knives are smooth along the edges is because the scales were textured in a factory when flat, then when the maker contours the scales, the texture around the edges is lost. Most jigged bone is like this. Some makers go through the laborious process of making their own jigged bone so they can contour the bone before jigging and dyeing. I have done my own jigged bone and it is a lot of work for something most people dont care about. Bone is nasty stinky stuff. Other handle materials would be a better candidate for texturing after contouring.

Harbor freight has a 50piece diamond rotary bit set that is useful.

 

[TRfromMT]

Just remember you can always grind more away, but you can't put it back. Start with a mostly finished shape, including fully fit around the prifile of the tang, then the texturing.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I go to about 95% done and texture. After the textur work is done, the final sanding and smoothing will finish it.

Tip:
Don't do all of one side and then the other. Work both and gradually approach the degree of texture you want. This avoids different looking sides and avoids accidentally gong farther than you like.

 

[Maelstrom78]

Thanks guys. The few videos I watched they textured them with just profiled scales. The edges looked like you could saw through something with and did not look comfortable.

I'll post up a pic. I have some orange and black micarta that should look pretty cool when it's done.

 

[Josh Rider]

I just used some orange and black micarta. I textured and smoothed last after contouring.
I measure and mark where I’m going to texture so it at least starts symmetrical.

 

[Maelstrom78]

Well there ya go. That looks nice.

I think I'll use a sharpie and make some hash marks on the steel of the handle. I will be using a small wheel horizontally on a work rest so I should be able to see it on both sides.

Thanks!

 

[Maelstrom78]

Now to texture it not

 

[Josh Rider]

Looks cool as it is!
Texturing would probably look great too.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

The reason a lot of knives are smooth along the edges is because the scales were textured in a factory when flat, then when the maker contours the scales, the texture around the edges is lost. Most jigged bone is like this. Some makers go through the laborious process of making their own jigged bone so they can contour the bone before jigging and dyeing. I have done my own jigged bone and it is a lot of work for something most people dont care about. Bone is nasty stinky stuff. Other handle materials would be a better candidate for texturing after contouring.

Harbor freight has a 50piece diamond rotary bit set that is useful.

If you ever have a guest or two that has overstayed their welcome in your shop?? Just start grinding a little bone or antler and the room will be cleared, toot sweet!