Rehandling knife and saya options

[Asudef]

Whats the general cost of a rehandle?

I think the knife shop nearby quoted me something like $40. Seems really pricey for a 5 minute job. Is it really as simple as clamping the knife in a vise and knocking it off with a wood block? If the new handle is also friction fit, how can I guarantee a snug and secure fit?

I've been around J knives a bit but never did any mods so this part is new to me.

Also, what are some decent affordable saya options? The same knife store sells Edros for $40-50 but I think their wood is pretty soft and nicks quite easily.

I'm in the bay area so if someone local is able to do this all cheaper, I'm open!

 

[Taz]

It depends on the re handle?? A premade handle that they have on hand may be around $40 to install (price of the handle itself and then time to do the install). They may do a burn in installation (takes time and know how to have it done correctly so it's a tight fit and lined up properly), or have to file/rasp out the hole for the tang slot (takes time to get the slow filed/rasped/broached out correctly) and then usually glue the tang in place. Removing the existing handle can be a pain, depending on how it was installed originally, too. So $40 to remove your handle and install a handle they have on hand is reasonable to me! This only applies for a removeable Wa handle, which I am assuming you are having replaced?

To have a custom handle made, it will depend on the material, but most start at around $65 and go up, depending on the material and complexity and if the handle maker is doing the install or not?

For saya, most use soft woods to avoid damaging the edge or sides of the blade; I think Poplar is what most commercially made saya are out of. Inexpensive, soft and easy to work. I used to do 3 piece saya and used basswood for the inner piece where the edge rests and either poplar or other harder woods for the outer panels. The material cost isn't super high for basswood and poplar, but the time to make one is what drives the cost or the higher cost of materials with fancier/harder woods. Doing a 2 piece carved saya is a bit more time consuming, needs thicker wood material and the harder woods may lead to more edge damage. So $40-50 for a premade saya seems pretty reasonable to me! The premade saya may not be as tight of a fit to your blade however.