Possible handle material

B

bigpapacolt

Joined
Sep 5, 2013
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I was at Lowe's this afternoon and noticed their composite decking material called Trex. They had free samples and was wondering if anyone has ever used this as a knife handle.
 
I have worked with trex and most of the other competing products when I was in construction. What I found is that they are comprised of "chunks" if you will. That are not pressed together overly tightly. From what I know of the material it would chip fairly easily, not be overly comfortable, and be nearly impossible to get any kind of decent smooth finish on. Most materials of this sort are made from wood chips, pop bottles, tires, and various other things all shreaded up and mashed together.
 
Almost every straight grained hardwood will make an excellent handle and often these woods can be had for inexpensive amounts. Frank
 
I concur. Trex is relatively soft and "chunky". It is made from recycled thermoplastics (think old milk jugs, pop bottles, and grocery bags) and wood chips/sawdust. It works OK for a deck, but is a little too flexible for my taste. It also heats up to an uncomfortable temperature in the sun, making it hard to walk on.

For knife handles, you could find dozens of better materials for free. Try going to a shop that fabricates countertops. They might let you take home some cut offs of corian or other solid synthetic material.

My other suggestion is to find a local exotic hardwood shop. Mine here in the DC area, Colonial Hardwoods, has a wonderful scrap bin. Each piece is $1 regardless of species, condition, or size. I've found a huge amount of really nice lumber there...

TedP
 
Sooo..... I've been messing with it a little bit in my spare time and you all are correct. It won't smooth out and is pretty soft. Not to mention, it just doesn't look very good. I was hoping I was on to something. Unlimited supply and free. But, if it sounds too good to be true it usually is. :grumpy: Instead, I have some Olive wood I'm going to try and see what happens. Thanks again!
 
I've had good luck with the pressed bamboo tiles from home depot. The handle I made from it is holding up well. Also the sample I left on the floor in my shower was a little faded and a touch frayed at the ends of the fibers (left bare with no sealant) after a month but otherwise no worse for wear. It is however heavy, hard o sand, and the final uncoated surface finish is a bit rough no matter how much you sand it. Also tiny voids. Reasonably attractive after though despite the complete lack of wood grain.
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Great job on the knife! That's a good idea on the flooring samples. I'll have to go take a look and see what all they have. Is that a natural patina on the blade?
 
oic0 said:
I've had good luck with the pressed bamboo tiles from home depot. The handle I made from it is holding up well. Also the sample I left on the floor in my shower was a little faded and a touch frayed at the ends of the fibers (left bare with no sealant) after a month but otherwise no worse for wear. It is however heavy, hard o sand, and the final uncoated surface finish is a bit rough no matter how much you sand it. Also tiny voids. Reasonably attractive after though despite the complete lack of wood grain.
107qvco.jpg
Click to expand...

oicO, I have used this as well as more of an experiment. I also noticed how rough it was. You may want to try what I did. I put about 20 coats of CA (cheap stuff from Walmart) and sanded inbetween coats. This filled the voids and gave it a very nice smooth surface. I used the buffer and it really made it pop. I actually still have that knife and use it for cutting leather and odd jobs around the shop. Works pretty good.
 
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