Putting handles on a blade

[L6steel]

This is mostly for new makers. When you're building a knife without bolsters or a guard, finish the front end of the handles before permanently attaching them. I drill the pin holes in them both and temp pin em together then shape the front or hilt end and take them thru 600 grit and buffing. If you do this before final assembly, it makes it alot easier finish ends of the handles.

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[This message has been edited by L6STEEL (edited 12-03-2000).]

 

[Phillip Jones]

It's a wise idea to go ahead and stain that area too if you are using curly maple, bird's eye, etc., so that the grain won't raise in that area once you've stained the rest of the handle. Trying to go back and sand that area after the scales are on the knife is very difficult to do. Especially if you have put a hand rubbed finish on your blade.

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Phillip Jones
Jones Knives
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[Crayola]

This is a very WISE piece of info!!! On the knife I have just finished, except for sharpening I forgot to do that because I was in a hurry! I had sanded the front to a 100 or 120 grit and put the project down. I got some spare time a few days later and epoxied the lot together. A dremel and some buffing compound helped improve things a little, but it ain't perfect! Good thing the guy who is etting the knife will get it all scratched up the first time he takes it hiking! That should hide the mistake!

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