Scale materials

[gunsandknives]

I'm very new to the forum but have read countless threads. I notice no posts about scale materials, sizes, wood species preferences, finishing techniques, nothing. I can't seem to find the sub-forum and it's probably in front of me. I've got a dozen questions and know the answers are there...but where? Thanks.

 

[Hawk45]

Welcome! Easiest thing would be just to go ahead and post all your questions here. If you've done your due diligence and still coming up with nothing, line um' up and we'll knock um' down.

 

[Lo/Rez]

This will be a good topic because I am also just starting out.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Welcome to the forums.

This is the BF search engine:
https://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

It will help you find many past threads.

Scales is just another word for handles to most of us. Most threads about "favorite handle material" , "Stabilized wood", etc. are usually applicable to any handle type.

Scales have a few special considerations when installed, especially having the back flat and using a good physical retainer. Corby/Loveless bolts are the strongest, and peened pins/rivets are second.

Many newer makers buy their wood in handle blocks and cut their own scales on the table saw or band saw. This saves money, and often gets two knives from one block.
Places like Burl source and the guys in The Exchange have lots of choices.

My favorites for scales are stabilized burls, mammoth ivory, and MOP.