Leather Handle Reshaping

[Disco Stu]

Does anyone know how I can reshape the leather handle on one of my hunting knives? I want to add finger grooves so it feels better to work with. Thanks.

 

[Steve Smart]

Use a 3/4 inch drum sander with either a hand drill or drill press. Drums and sanding sleeves are available at most hardware stores or Home Depot stores.
Be careful and sand slowly. You don't want to cut the grooves too deep. The leather spacers may not be too thick, and you'll run the risk of going all the way through to the tang.
Good Luck
Steve

 

[Matt Shade]

Pick up something to treat the leather after you've reshaped it too. Leather is treated by soaking oils into it or putting a coat of sealer on it. Depending on how deep you cut, it may not be treated to resist water damage, staining and things like that. If you don't care about the color of it. Just put some neatsfoot oil on it.Its made of the natural oils that are in the hide to begin with and really makes the leather resist soaking up water or anything. It will make the lether softer and more supple, maybe make for a grippier handle.I use it a lot on tack for my horses. It does make the the leather a lot darker though.Good luck.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !

 

[Disco Stu]

Thanks guys. BTW, If I do care about the color of the handle, how should I dye it?

 

[Steve Smart]

I would use leather dye.
Steve

 

[Cougar Allen]

You can usually find leather dye at a local saddle shop -- black and brown and maybe cordovan; they don't usually have any more colors than that at saddle shops.

-Cougar Allen :{)

 

[magnum .44]

i like your screen name disco stu. that reminds me of a simpsons episode, where homer was gonna write disco stud on a jacket, but didn't have enough space, so it said "disco stu". then at the yardsale disco stu was told to buy and he say "disco stu doesn't advertise" hehe.