Micarta handles.

[mpj13]

Quick question. I bought some Micarta 1/8" scales from Koval, I am planning on making a 12" in the next few weeks, right now I have a 8" knife I am about to put handles on. My problem is will the 1/8" thick hanled be too small fora 12" blade? That would only give a total of 3/8" thickness for a 12" blade. What do you guys think?

I am trying to figure out if I should use the 1/8" micarta on my smaller knife and use the 1/4" oak on the 12" knife. Originaly I wanted to use the 1/8" micarta on the 12" knife, I still would if it is thick enough. Thanks.

 

[Matt Shade]

I don't know if theres any real rule of thumb for that. As long as the handle is comfortable and offers sufficient grip I don't think it matters. And whats comfortable and whats not is largely opinion based and will vary from person to person.
The thickness should probably be somewhat proportional to the width of the handle. If the scales are wide then they probabl won't have to be as thick, otherwise the handle may seem to big. If the scales are narrow, you might go with thicker micarta and sort of round it out to help it fill the hand wihtout feeling blocky and thick.

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

you get to deside what is going to work best. is the knife for you or a friend? what do you feel would work best on your knife?

 

[Michael_Aos]

Here's a scan of the edge of my new Sea Wolfe. It's 1/8" stock, with what I would guess is 1/8" G10. It's REALLY thin. Still getting used to it, but I think I'll like it more as it grows on me.

 

[Crayola]

Here's a couple of tricks you can do.

#1 double up on the micarta. There should be nothing wrong with gluing 2, 1/8" pieces together on each side. you could try that, though it may look funny with the epoxy line in the middle of your handle scale...

#2 use a liner of some sorts. I can get brass and aluminum in... I think 1/8" stock at a local hobby shop. You could put a piece of 1/16" brass or aluminum under each scale. that would make a 1/2" thick handle. If you use 1.8" stuff, you have a 5/8" thick hole. Play around a bit.

 

[mpj13]

I meant to order the 1/4" scales but I goofed. Not really goof but I just meant to buy 1/4". I kind of like the thin handle like the pic above, it looks pretty sleek.

 

[Sylvester]

Most of the time I use 1/8 & 1/4in
But I like a small grip.
If I need a little more thickness
I`ll use some vulcanized fiber
Just my $.2

 

[tmickley]

The edge profile/proportions looks fine to me. I tend to think a thin blade calls for a thin handle just for asthetic balance. No doubt it will feel different to the hand, not that there is anything wrong with that, just different.