I need some help, what type of handle on this one?

KiljoyKutlery

KiljoyKutlery

KILJOY KutLery, hand made in Luling Texas
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
5,510
Hello WSS!
I haven't posted in here in a while, but I know I am in the right place.
I just finished modifying this old Nichols Brothers cleaver this weekend, into what I think is a great camp knife. Takes a wicked edge and looks nice.
It has a distal taper and is right around 1/4" thick at the blade and handle.
I am thinking of 2 different handles...and I can't choose without some outside help.
I am thinking either micarta with tube rivets , maybe a liner in there for extra class...OR
Rosewood with a liner and brass pins, and maybe a whitetail crown with a tube rivet for a lanyard.
What do you guys and gals think?
attachment.php

Here it is with a BK7 for size reference.
attachment.php
 
I'm all for micarta. For a camp knife, in my experience, it would be tougher and a lot less to worry about. The rosewood sounds purty, but I'd be afraid if it got wet. Ya know, shift happens.
 
I hear ya,
I am leaning that way...but man, although its a bunch more work, It sure would look purdy in rosewood. I think it would look right out of a mountain man movie with a whitetail crown on it to.
Maybe micarta would still look bad ass...maybe your right.
 
Talfuchre said:
What's wrong with the existing scales?

TF
Click to expand...

In reality..nothing. They are 100 years old. Thats pretty cool.
I haven't taken them off yet, for that very reason.
I am thinking about actually using them in some way, like laminating them with a thick liner, and then reattaching them.
I have a few idea's on this one...its a tough knife. I really like it, I think its a great knife, so I want it to be perfect.
I don't think that knife would hate me if I gave it a new handle either...I bet that dang knife would thank me if it could.
The scales on one side are perfect considering the age...the other side, they are rough.
 
I wonder if a clean up job wouldn't be in order. Have someone drill out the rivets, clean up the wood, add liners to take up the difference, and put them back on.

TF
 
I'd put some fresh walnut on there to keep is as close to the original. It's pure class as is right now but I see what you mean about one scale being kind of hacked up.
 
I'd do the micarta with solid rivets in the front and a tube rivet in the back for a lanyard. I'm not a fan of tube rivets unless they serve a purpose besides looks. They can end up getting crud in them.
 
If the current scales are good, I'd refurbish them, add liners and reattach them to the knife. I would also use classic hardware on it to keep with the old school look. That's just me.
 
The handle is solid. Its good to go right now, but there is some separation between the scales and the tang, I am worried about long term use allowing rust to form under the scales and ruining a really great knife with fantastic balance.

Hey 42, have you seen one of those old Lamb Splitters sitting behind the knife in the pic with the BK7? Thats a monster! 1/8" thick...almost 3" wide! Foster Brothers.
Most likely around 50+ years old. Great chopper!
 
gunknifenut said:
Hey 42, have you seen one of those old Lamb Splitters sitting behind the knife in the pic with the BK7? Thats a monster! 1/8" thick...almost 3" wide! Foster Brothers.
Most likely around 50+ years old. Great chopper!
Click to expand...

Hells yeah! I need to get my hands on one of those at some point. I love lamb splitters. :D
 
How about using some Dymond wood, I think that would be a nice compromise, the look of traditional wood but maintenance free like Micarta !

Here is a pic I found of two knives
handled in it ~

IMG_20111113_134838-small-rot.jpg
 
I'm torn between the existing scales versus maybe some burlap micarta. What about some thick a$$ leather scales and copper or brass rivets?

ETA: Whoah! what a nice job you did Gene! I've been playing with an ol FB Cleaver lately. I think it's like 3/8" thick. It's been my main bonfire wood processor at home. Great steel!
 
Marcelo Cantu said:
I'm torn between the existing scales versus maybe some burlap micarta. What about some thick a$$ leather scales and copper or brass rivets?

ETA: Whoah! what a nice job you did Gene! I've been playing with an ol FB Cleaver lately. I think it's like 3/8" thick. It's been my main bonfire wood processor at home. Great steel!
Click to expand...

Thanks Bro!
This one is right at 9/32" thick at the choil, and tapers both ways from there. What an edge this thing takes...shaves like a bic. I was thinking some burlap micarta might be cool..maybe I make some...yeah..with a red liner or something. Classy, old school look with modern materials. I was thinking if I do something like that...tube rivets..but make them copper...so they patina fast.
I am thinking a sheath made in the old cross draw style would fit this knife well also...what say you?
 
pitdog said:
How about using some Dymond wood, I think that would be a nice compromise, the look of traditional wood but maintenance free like Micarta !

Here is a pic I found of two knives
handled in it ~

IMG_20111113_134838-small-rot.jpg
Click to expand...

Pit,
I have handled a few knives with this stuff. I like it! sands out super easy. pretty fun material. This reminds me, I have to buy some more of this..I like the bottom wood toned handle in your picture. That looks pretty good.
 
gunknifenut said:
The handle is solid. Its good to go right now, but there is some separation between the scales and the tang, I am worried about long term use allowing rust to form under the scales and ruining a really great knife with fantastic balance.
Click to expand...

You said this knife is 100 years old?
And the knife has not yet rusted?

So leave the original alone
Just clean them up with some oil
 
neeman said:
You said this knife is 100 years old?
And the knife has not yet rusted?

So leave the original alone
Just clean them up with some oil
Click to expand...

No worries on this one guys...I brought the knife to another BF members house last night, he promptly traded me outta it! I guess it looked pretty good the way it was.
 
gunknifenut said:
No worries on this one guys...I brought the knife to another BF members house last night, he promptly traded me outta it! I guess it looked pretty good the way it was.
Click to expand...
Wow, it went fast. I was going to suggest to make the handles removable to help prevent rust. If I went to garage sales I wonder if I could find some deals... maybe estate sales? where did you get it from again?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top