Making bk11 scales

T

The1trueBeavis

Joined
Aug 16, 2013
Messages
111
I saw Alude904's post about giving away a set of rosewood scales and thought why don't I just make my own? They'd probably be made out of some house-depot 2x4's. Hpw would you guys go about doing this? I edc mine weak side reverse grip iwb with the handle againsty hip, would it cause any irrotatiom and if so what can I do to stop this from happening? I'm kinda handy but I'm no master word worker. I have access to saws, files, dremels and other such things. So how would you go about doing this?
 
After doing some serious mods to the stock knife, I used some red oak that I bought from the hardware store. It was like $2.60 for a piece 2x.5x48, I think. You can see how after sanding to 1000 grit and treating with oil, the color really changed. Since these pics, it's gotten even darker, which looks cool!

For the scales themselves, I did some very rough shaping with a saw and sander before gluing them on. Once on, I had to thin them out so I (dangerously) used a miter saw. Then I trimmed a little more around the outside with a hack saw and then used files to get it down to the metal and to make the basic contours. From there I used 80, 120, 400, and 1000 grit sandpaper.

10191720654_6b1bb29a99_b.jpg


10191822415_c125c8f5c0_b.jpg


10191806385_cec9fd1d7b_b.jpg


Of course, when you make them, keep in mind whether you want to still use the original sheath. Neither Alude's or mine will actually still work in the sheath (you could mod the sheath to work with Alude's though).
When making yours, you might want to consider following the KaBar micarta pattern, which is designed to still use the sheath and bottle opener.

Ka-Bar-Becker-BK-11-Knife-Handle-Mounted-1.jpg


Or do a search to find some more custom BK-11 scales for more inspiration!
 
I made the pins from a screwdriver. The diameter was just a hair under that of the holes already in handle. I made some shallow notches in them with a triangle file, coated them with epoxy, and set them in. No peening or anything special. I don't know if it is the same with brass, but I found that filing and sanding the pins along with the wood was rather challenging. In the end you can still feel some slight bulging at the pins (ie. the wood sands down much faster and more easily than the steel). I'm sure there are ways to avoid that, but I haven't found them just yet. In any case, it's not much of a problem, just something else to keep in mind I guess.
 
Here is a great explanation of the proces. (Done on a BK14)

somanyhobbies.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/making-ka-bar-bk14-knife-scales

I didn't write it, but I will be making similar scales for my BK14 later on. I hope this helps. :)
 
Thanks guys, ill get on this as soon as possible and post another thread about it once I get it done. Sorry probably won't be pictures tho :/
 
My Cam & Ka-Bar 11 have slabs from scrap oak trim. My 24 has Osage orange made from a branch.
10-31-12+006.JPG

I suggest you go to someplace that sells wood flooring & or trim. You should be able to find some pieces cheap. Look for flooring samples they might be free. You can play with different techniques & styles with out putting out a lot of cash. Look for wood that is close to the thickness you want. IMO thinning it down is a pain with out the right equipment.
 
For my first set of hardwood scales, I went to a -depot store and asked the flooring guy if they had any scraps or scratch and dent. I walked away with a beautiful, 3' long piece of solid hickory for FREE. Something to keep in mind. Also, for pins, if you don't like steel, welding shops sell several diameters of brass rod that works great and is much cheaper than some of the knife shops. Any how, custom scales are fun!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top