???? on handles and handle materials...

Orion · Jan 31, 2002

I just picked up several large knives that have cord wrapped handles and I want to put scales on them. I am definitely no knife maker but I like to tinker with my dremmel...
Anyway, I have done two of these projects in the past. The first one I molded the handle out of QuickSteel epoxy putty and then dremmelled it to shape. The second one I actually cut and sanded two handle scales, drilled and pinned them on. I used some wood that was lying around, not sure what kind...
So, I want to take a little more time on these and do a more prefessional job. My questions are-
1.) What are some good materials to use and benefits/drawbacks of each? (I am considering G-10, micarta, and maybe some types of wood...)
2.) Ease of workmanship of each?
3.) What are the price ranges and availability of sizes/colors in each?
4.) What are the dangers (health hazards) associated with the tooling (sanding, drilling, dremmelling) of each of the different materials and what precautions should be taken with each?
5.) Where is the best place to get the materials?

Also, if anyone can offer any advice on drilling 1095 steel, it would be greatly appreciated. The last one I did I had to drill 3 holes in the tang and it took FOREVER and quite a few carbide tipped drill bits... maybe I was doing something wrong or using inferior materials for the job...???

Thanks for any help and info!!!!
Cam

sean kendrick · Jan 31, 2002

Get a catalog from Sheffield Knifemakers Supply,and Koval Knives.They both have a great assortment of handle materials.G-10 is my personal favorite because it's strength to weight ratio is excellent,it comes in several attractive colors,and it can be finished several different ways.The only real drawbacks it has are that it wears belts out faster than most materials,and the dust it creates is EXTREMELY hazardous to the lungs.As for your 1095 question it sounds like your drill bits need sharpening.Also,check and make sure you aren't running your drill on too high a speed.

flava · Jan 31, 2002

Drilling steel works out just fine if you use a sharp bit and VERY SLOW speed. I have drilled two 1/8" holes in 3/16" thick carbon steel in two minutes with the same drill bit and it is still sharp. The steel must not be hardened, of course.

Mundele · Jan 31, 2002

You might want to go to www.bladeforums.com and check out the "bladesmith" forum (listed under 'general') there are tons of great guys on there that will help you, answer questions, etc.

--Matt

Orion · Feb 1, 2002

Matt-
I could have sworn that the place you mention is exactly where I placed this thread.... Am I missing something? I am now completely confused...

Cam

Bruce Evans · Feb 1, 2002

Cam,I am not sure if he was thinking of a different forum or not,Made me wonder which thread I was on also..

I say just use what you like and take some precautions as to what you are breathing as I don't think anything is really good to breath the dust from...
Bruce

flava · Feb 1, 2002

Originally posted by Mundele
You might want to go to www.bladeforums.com and check out the "bladesmith" forum (listed under 'general') there are tons of great guys on there that will help you, answer questions, etc.

--Matt

This is what happens when you smoke&reply

Mundele · Feb 1, 2002

Dern. Sorry guys.

I was reading two forums at once and got confused.

Sorry about that.

--Matt

sattley · Feb 1, 2002

you didn't mention if the steel was hardened or not. If it was hardened, it needs to be either anealed or drilled with a solid carbide drill. These are very brittle and need to be spun quite fast. Make sure and back up you work, because if it hangs when it breaks through, you can kiss your very expensive bit good bye.
Handle materials are personal preference of course. Most wood, bone and antler makes great material even better when its stabilized. Man made is generally stronger and more resistant to just about everything, (water, wear, chemicals etc.) but lacks the beauty of natural materials. Micartas get a very ugly tinge if you get them to hot especially around the pins so be carefull there. Wear a respirator.

Orion · Feb 1, 2002

I believe the handle is hardened. The last one got easier to drill the farther away from the blade I got. I think I will go with micarta. I am not really attracted to stag/bone handles.

Matt- No prob. You had me thinking I was going crazy!!!

Bruce- I am a huge fan of big knives and that one in your ad is one sweet knife!!!!

Thanks again!!
Cam