Road Runner handled knife

Tom Lewis

Tom Lewis

Joined
Feb 24, 2000
Messages
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About ten years ago I got the idea to use a jig saw to cut out figures and fill in with InLace. I got the jig saw, then got busy with other activities. Awhile back I got back to the jigsaw idea and you can see the results.
InLace is a decorative inlay that can be bought at woodworking stores. It comes in several colors, but I like turquoise.
It's not that easy to find a design that can be put on a handle. The handle is wider than it tall, and most pictures are taller than they are wide. The roadrunner is wider than it is tall, so fits good on a knife handle. Also, I live in the SouthWest so the roadrunner fits in good.
I looked at clip art and copied a roadrunner then resized it to fit. I cut it out and used rubber cement to glue to the handle blank. Then I used the jig saw and carefully cut out the roadrunner. Then following the InLace directions I filled the cut out with the InLace.
I have looked for other designs that would fit a knife handle, but so far have not found any that I thought was suitable.
This knife will be entered in a local art show. Last year a similar knife with a roadrunner took first place in the arts and crafts division.
Maybe some of you can come up with other designs that can be used like this in a knife handle.
I have found this to be a good seller, I have quickly sold all that I have made.
 

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That is really cool. You must have steady hands to cut it out that accurately.
 
I think it looks great...I have a few ideas I'd like to try. Where'd you get your inlace?

I saw one place had it. The kit was about $30. That about right?
 
Actually, I really don't think I have very steady hands, but if you are careful, go slow, have a sharp blade, and have a decent jig saw, it's not too hard.
I got my InLace from "Craft Supplies" www.woodturnerscatalog.com. A kit costs $29.95. It lasts a long time for a knife handle design.
I would like to see what kind of designs others come up with. Anyone is welcome to use the roadrunner design, I don't have a copyright on it.
 
Really nice work Tom. I'm amazed you did that kind of small detail with a jig saw. I think using a scroll saw would be the only way I'd feel confident even trying it.
 
I did use a scroll saw. I got my terms mixed up. The scroll saw is a DeWalt 788 20" . I did a lot of research before I bought it. There are cheaper saws and more expensive ones. The DeWalt does a good job.
 
Thanks Salem, a roadrunner on one side and a coyote on the other would be interesting. The problem is getting a pattern of a coyote that would fit on a narrow handle.
 
A running coyote might work. I have looked at a lot of clip art and so far haven't found one that would work. I am not good at drawing pictures so I don't have that option.
 
A customer ordered a blade with an inlaid skull and crossbones in the handle. I was originally going to carve the pocket with an engraving burr, but this really has me thinking about using the jigsaw.

I'm still not 100% on whether the inlay is going on, but I think I will consider it more strongly. My mom used to work at a place that would make decorative buckles, pins, etc. with mosaic exotic woods and InLace with different metals, mother of pearl, etc. Lots of landscape patterns, some pretty cool stuff. Has me thinking about doing something like that eventually.
 
If you do come up with something, I hope you will post pictures. I have found the jigsaw pretty easy to use. There are all kinds of possibilities.
 
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