Sleeved Handle with stacked Zebra wood

[peter nap]

I ground out a modified droppoint yesterday and decided I wanted something different for the handle. I haven't seen anyone do this so I assumed it was stupid and I'd try it.

The blade had a stick tang so I took a piece of 3/8 steel pipe and stuck it in the forge. I hammered it over the tang so I had a perfect fit. I took it off. At first I was going to use stacked leather but I saw a piece of Zebra wood and realized the end grain was stunning. I used a hole saw to cut washers from the board and opened up the pilot hole so they would slip over the sleeve. I aligbed the grain so they would all expand and contract the same. I slathered the whole mess with JB Weld and clamped them together.

Today I shaped the handle and there is a beautiful assortment of grain. Kinda like a cross between burl and modern art. Anyway it should be stronger than a framed handle. It's stablizing now and I think I'll leave it about three weeks. I don't want any chance of cracking because of moisture.

After it dries and is finished I'll barb the tang and clamp the sleeve tight with ample amounts of JB Weld.

This may work out or it may be this years entry in the ugly knife contest!

 

[indian george]

Peter: We know we can count on you for a entry or two in this years contest.

 

[peter nap]

Thank you George. I am working very hard at my knifemaking. Frost may want to hire me to design their knives.

 

[richard rosvall]

It just ain't fair to tease us without no pic's!!! Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[Hoplophile]

Yeah! What up with the no pic action Peter? You gave me blue mouse.
I got a large piece of Zebra wood so I am definitely interested in seeing the final product of this exercize in inovation.

 

[TANGUS]

I'm still working out the details in an upcoming tutorial on "slathering" (no wonder it takes me longer-Nap is far ahead of my game!)-- -Dan

 

[peter nap]

I have a picture I took before the final shaping. It's in the soup now so I can't take any more until it comes out. I'll try to post the one I have. I hadn't set up a picture site since my old one quit allowing links but I've got one now.

 

[peter nap]

OK Lets see if this works

 

[Nathan House]

Peter
Very nice looking wood I would love to get my hands on some scales like that.Have any more?

 

[indian george]

Peter: That is a cool idea how you stacked it, very nice. This one couldn't be in the contest.

 

[Dan Gray]

yes.. interesting looking.

 

[C L Wilkins]

Although not stacked, I prefer end grain zebrawood.

Sorry for the poor quality picture.


C Wilkins