Learning About Handle Material

J

Jumbi

Joined
Mar 12, 1999
Messages
377
I'm interested in learning about knife handle materials, i.e., natural and man-made, primarily so I can identify what I'm looking at and have some informed idea as to value. Also, I'm interested in the properties/characteristics of the materials used that I see at knife shows, etc.
Are there any references, web sites, etc. that would be helpful?
Thanks
 
Jumbi,
I'm a fairly new maker and here's what I did. Go to the "makers supplies" link and check out the various wood and handle companies. The funkier the name, the more expensive it is!!! LOL Hope that helps.

Will
 
Thanks all. I have also been searching on and off for this info for a few weeks. I was wondering why we don't see more knives with "stone" scales. I understand stone might chip and it might be more difficult to work that the knife itself. I think knives like the Buck 110 and 112 would lend themselves to having scales replaced with some kind of stone. I've purchased several slabs about 1/4 inch thick. I found that the "stone thing" is a topic of it's own and maybe that's why it hasn't mixed that well with knives. I've seen some turquoise and other inlay work done, but I prefer a simple one piece scale of malachite or things called Mexican agate, or Jasper. I found some of the references here very helpful since I plan to epoxy the scales in place after somehow grinding them as close to fit as I can. I know the surfaces have to be rough for best adhesion and I might use some kind of blind hole on the back of the scale or pins to get better adhesion. So I have a pile of knives and a pile of slabs. I need to get some kind of lapidary tools like a couple of belt sanders? I don't want to load up on equipment since I'm not planing to get into making other things out of stone. I'm planning that my finished knives can be used, but also have a "show your friends" quality. If anyone has any feedback, input or anything else they want to pass along it would be appreciated. Thanks ~

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Fran (CT)
 
Last time I was there agrussell had a pretty good dictionary of terms on their sight that covered alot of stuff liket that.
Go to www.agrussell.com

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
I have a dagger with marble scales.
It's pretty but way too heavy in the handle. Doesn't feel right in the hand.
 
Jumbi
It's funny. I got into making knifes because I thought a petrified wood handle would look great.First I thought I better learn how to make a knife.Five years later I am still working on that and haven't done the petrified wood handle yet.If you're going to grind rock you will need to do it wet or very,very,very slow. try Kingsley North for lapidary wet grinders. Silicone carbide used wet will do most agates but diamond is faster and better. Lots to that lapidary stuff. If I can help in anyway let me know.
Take Care
TJ Smith
 
Hey Ruffscruff, I'll bet those knives will be beautiful when you get done with them. But, they will probably come back to haunt you if you sell them and offer any kind of warranty. Good luck with your project.


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M.Ogg

"It's better to be thought a fool and remain silent, than to open your mouth and romove all doubt"
 
Reconstituted stones present an easy to work alternative to the real thing. Sheffield offers a good selection. It is the natural stone ground up and recast in a plastic matrix. That is what most of the tourquoise you see on knives is most often.

Here is one made in reconstituted imperial jade. The pic doesn't do it justice, but it is beautiful material with pyrite inclusions.

JH_FxdBldUtilHnt-519.jpg


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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
The Tom & Jerry Show
 
How do those "survivoir" knives work.... I mean you have a hollow tube inside, but where does the tang secure too??? I saw one advertised at TX Knifemaking supply...looked cool, but was wondering about that....


Michael
 
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