On handles: Scales v. Mold

[RothkoNo13]

I'm new to knife making, but I've been working with metal and mold making for some time, so the processes used aren't exactly foreign to me.

Instead of straight up making a full knife for my first go, I'd like to replace the handle on one of my knives first. (It's a little bulky for my hands.)


Now, I believe that I could achieve a better result with the very little equipment I have if I were to make a piece mold.


Is there any knife making-specific reason for why I can't get high quality resin and a binder (linen, probably) and just make a mold, rather than use scales?

 

[Spiggles]

I would be keen to hear the answers on this one.
I have an old Kershaw 1030 that, when my house burned down years ago, lost the handle in the blaze.
I am toying with the idea of re-handling the knife, but not sure whether to put scales or a moulded handle on.
I have some experience with scales but none with plastic moulding. It has a reduced tang, hence the option of a moulded handle.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

There is nothing wrong with a molded handle. Millions of knives are made that way. However, the use of a molded handle is normally considered as a "cheap" handle...especially if it is plastic or nylon. Molded handles are good for mass production, but not particularly good idea for a one-off handle design.

If you make it attractive and with good materials, it should work fine. I would think that using scales is probably a lot easier, but go for it if you want to make your own molds.