Slab Thickness for Handles

[blgoode]

What I will have is eighter Cocobola or Purpleheart slabs for my full tang fixed blade. I have guessed each side to being 3/8" to start with. I was going to use 1/2" but I have small hands. The tang thickness is 3/16" 01 steel. Does this sound like what other makers use? I am just going by my gut feeling here. Any info helps. I'll be using loveless style bolts to finish everything off..........

 

[Mike Hull]

3/8" per scale is fine. It gives you a lot of leeway to round, or otherwise shape the handle.

 

[blgoode]

thanks alot. 3/8ths it is.

 

[Trace Rinaldi]

I agree with Mike.. Thicker handle material gives you more room for palm swells, and contouring..
you may end up removing most of the thickness, but you cant make them feel real round in the hand without the thick material to begin with..