Please help the newbie

[gunsandknives]

I've recently become obsessed with making knife handles. I found an eBay source for blade blanks in 440 and have a box of exotic wood. It's fascinating to me and I'm hoping someone can direct me to a sub-forum/site that discusses techniques, styles, sheaths, marketing, etc.

 

[logem]

You've landed in the correct forum for answers that you seek. Start browsing through the postings and read what appeals to you. You'll learn a lot by visiting and reading. Visit the stickies at the top of the forum listing. Fill out your profile with location, someone local to you may respond.

There was a recent posting by Nick Wheeler on finishing a hidden tang handle. It's not exactly the same as finishing full tang handle scales, but there's much to be learned. Search for that.

Good luck,

Mike L.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Welcome to Shop Talk.

This is the BF search engine:
https://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra
It will find lots of discussions.

The stickies have lots of info.

Also, a google search for "Knife Handle Tutorial" will give you hundreds more.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

double post

 

[sc_bane]

Avoid most of the "440 c" blanks on most of the knife supply websites. While they are a decent value, most are bent, unevenly ground, or have a spotty heat treat. Also many have odd shaped bolsters that will drive you nuts trying to fit handles to. Also the "440 c" blanks almost always are barely sharp, with an uneven edge bevel that can take two or more hours to even out by hand.
Jeff Mutz at Trugrit has the only 440 c blades that come as advertised. They are also very reasonable for cutting, grinding, and heat treating your design. Jantz has some really good 1095 blades that wont cost you hours of fixing like most "440c blanks."