Making a small fixed blade handle. Can you help my imagination?

[sogflash]

I'll make a new handle for a hidden tang fixed blade, but I'm having a hard time deciding how the handle should be. The only thing I know is that it'll have a 5mm thick bolster/guard. I haven't decided what shape the handle will have, or if it'll be made from several parts or not.

The blade will be approximately 3,5 inches and either a sheepsfoot or wharncliffe.

It'll be used lightly for everyday tasks. No battoning, chopping, digging or improvised use as a ladder. Just a simple cutting tool.

I'm especially asking those here who have made knives for inspiration.

 

[Pipeman]

Here are a few with stick tangs, Finnish blades. Segmented handles require a lot of fitting at the segment joints but drilling for the tang is easier with hand tools. Single piece handles pretty much require a drill press and long bits. One thing you could consider is old carving knife handles in stag as the hole is already drilled. I always mix bone/antler grindings mixed with epoxy to fine tune the fit of the tang. Here are some pics. If you need any help I'd be happy to tell you how I do things, just message me.

Best regards

Robin



Stacked birch bark is time consuming but not that difficult. There are tricks that make it easier than it looks.

 

[esnyx]

I recommend giving stacked leather a try. Its pretty straight forward and shapes nicely. It does take more time though since you have to let the leather dry out while compressed. Otherwise, I think drilling a hole into a nice piece of wood and gluing the tang in place with a pin or two(if you have the holes for them) for support.

 

[sogflash]

I've pretty much decided what materials to use, just not the final shape of the handle. Do you guys know what it'll look like before you make it, or do you just let it happen?

 

[esnyx]

When I mod a folder, I usually have an idea of a general idea of the shaping I want before I begin hafting the handles, but then I just go with the flow and adjust accordingly. My designs rarely ever go to plan, so I just stopped planning. Haha.

I've pretty much decided what materials to use, just not the final shape of the handle. Do you guys know what it'll look like before you make it, or do you just let it happen?

 

[davek14]

Here are a few with stick tangs, Finnish blades. Segmented handles require a lot of fitting at the segment joints but drilling for the tang is easier with hand tools. Single piece handles pretty much require a drill press and long bits. One thing you could consider is old carving knife handles in stag as the hole is already drilled. I always mix bone/antler grindings mixed with epoxy to fine tune the fit of the tang. Here are some pics. If you need any help I'd be happy to tell you how I do things, just message me.

Best regards

Robin

Stacked birch bark is time consuming but not that difficult. There are tricks that make it easier than it looks.



Are those blades from Brisa?

 

[sogflash]

Pepemans combination of wood and horn/bone/antler or whatever the white stuff is, inspired me to do something similar. It's not quite finished.

What is that white material? I used moose antler, do you know if such materials have to be treated in any special way?