Newbie Question on Resin Casting

[RobMofSD]

Hello!

So I see people write and youtube about resin casting to make scales. And I have to ask.. why don't people directly cast onto the tang of the knife instead of making scales? Is there something I am not getting or misunderstanding? I collect fountain pens, and the resins these days are often flat-out amazing. But streamlining concepts is always things I am interested in.

Thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

several things here.
1) Resin scales are not very durable, and they chip easily. Personally, I despise most acrylic and resin handles.
2) You can cast on-the-tang but need to make a sealed pouring mold to do it in. Unless you make only one size tang, you may have to make a mold for every knife.
3) Once cast and cured, you have to un-mold it and finish by dry and wet sanding up to 2000-8000 grit. You can't do much with the front of the handle because the tang will get in the way, so it may be less finished than the sides.