New Custom Firesteel Handle

C

Col. Cornelius

Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
648
I just finished my first custom wood firesteel handle. I am very happy with the results.

I used some fancy black walnut. It is finished with boiled linseed oil (sanded to 600 grit).

The firesteel is a 3/8"x4" Badger from Goinggear.

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My problem know is that I like it so much (and spent so much time on it), I don't want to use the firesteel up!
 
cool... that's what i wanted to use...
i forgot to mentioned how nice it looks...

Where do you people get this type of wood from? just lowes? :D
 
carspidey said:
cool... that's what i wanted to use...
i forgot to mentioned how nice it looks...

Where do you people get this type of wood from? just lowes? :D
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You should be able to get some stellar Claro Walnut that makes Eastern Black Walnut look plain Jane in comparison. It grows in California and you should be able to find a dealer of fine hardwoods easy.

You should seriously start in your neighbor's firewood pile. Lots of beautifully figured wood can come from the most unlikely sections of log and if you only need a small bit, you're all set. Baton yourself a small enough piece, drill it, carve it, sand it and you're all set.

By the way, nice job Col.!
 
Thanks for the advice on where to look for wood... I live on an apartment so :(

I have some wood here... I guess I'll use that for now...

I looked at this pictures again and it looks like two pieces of wood glued together... RIGHT???

I was thinking of drilling a hole half way and stick the firesteel into it with glue (super glue) ... would this work... is there any reason why this custom one wasn't done like this?

Thanks..
 
carspidey said:
I looked at this pictures again and it looks like two pieces of wood glued together... RIGHT???

I was thinking of drilling a hole half way and stick the firesteel into it with glue (super glue) ... would this work... is there any reason why this custom one wasn't done like this?

Thanks..
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Yes, I glued two thin pieces together (Elmers wood glue) first, to get a thick enough block to work with. I didn't have any thick pieces of walnut that had as good of grain as this thinner one.

I drilled the hole for the firesteel after the block had set for 24hrs to let the wood glue harden.

If I had a thick enough piece to start with, I could have just drilled a hole for the firesteel.
 
oh cool... thanks...
check this out... you inspired me to start mine already... I ordered mine more than a week ago from the same place, but they messed up on my order... the owner was kind enough to reply back and tell me he was sorry for what happened...

Anyways... i just grabbed some wood... some that i found here in my house and started carving... this is what i have done so far...

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Sorry I wanted to post a picture here... I'll do it later
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Col. Cornelius said:
Based on input from one of my knifemaker friends, I roughed up the metal with course sandpaper and used super glue.

So far it is working great.
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Good advice. All I can add is that is doesn't hurt to cut a few shallow grooves in the "tang" of the firesteel, to give the adhesive even more surface area to grip onto. I prefer to use epoxy, but super-glue is probably just fine for this application.

Set-screws could work if you file flat spots on the firesteel for them to snug-up against. But there's a risk of the wood itself getting stripped under stress, in which case the screws will get lose and really irk you when you least expect it. I suspect it would be more work, and result in a weaker joint.

You might be surprised how long it takes to wear out a firesteel like that. Unless you use it A LOT, or throw it on a concrete floor and break off a big chunk, it will likely outlast you!

Just my $.02. :)

In any case, enjoy and by all means, if anyone is thinking of making their own, go for it. It's a fun, inexpensive and easy project that will make you smile and feel proud every time you use it. :thumbup:
 
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