Question about handle slab size

V

Vpetrell

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Jul 14, 2015
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Question for discussion


What is your starting size of handle material? Stopped by woodcraft to browse and I thought the options looked thin in size. They measured in at 1/4" height.

Is this standard for everyone to start with? I know it will differ based on contours you want, but is there an ideal size to start with?

I've done a few handles for blanks I have and I always start thick, but it turns into a lot of work using rasps only so I'm looking for an easier solution


Thanks

VP


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I start with 1/4" usually for a full size grip on a full size blade. This can also be padded a bit with colored spacers, which can add an additional 1/16" with both liners in place. That having been said, on a smaller blade profile 3/16" per side is better, since the 1/4" can look to be a bit on the chunky side in something smaller for the hand. A very small & light blade (like a mule team size) will drop to 1/8" material. There's really no right/wrong answer here, just depends on use, size & weight you're looking for in your design.

If you have 1/4" wood on an 1/8" blade, you will have a 5/8" grip which to me is a full grip, but I have medium size arthritic hands & YMMV.
 
Depends on the knife. The slabs I cut up myself I cut to .312-.375. I buy G10 at .25 since it's nice and flat anyway. Most of my scales end up being between .25 and .312 when spacers and all grinding is done, at their widest points.

But I cut thick because I can always take some off. I can't put it back without adding spacers.

For hidden tang knives I want to start with .875" minimum usually.
 
The more knives I make the thinner my handles get. For me 1/4" is plenty thick since I run liners on most of my knives. This goes for anything from 8" chef's knives to my Bird & Trout.
 
Matt R said:
The more knives I make the thinner my handles get. For me 1/4" is plenty thick since I run liners on most of my knives. This goes for anything from 8" chef's knives to my Bird & Trout.
Click to expand...

Ok good to know. I think I'm headed that way as well. I have never used liners before. What is your go to liner material?


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Take a look at G10 liner material. I typically use the .031" & it's available in a bunch of different colors. I glue it with epoxy when I'm doing the slabs & setting things in place, just epoxy both faces, the blade & the slabs once it's all drilled & pre-fit then let it set up. Make sure you get all the excess epoxy off the ricasso, or it's a real booger to deal with later on.....
 
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