So I just rehandled my first knife

[bodog]

Here's a ZT0180. It was close to being the perfect knife except the handle was blocky, clunky, and generally uncomfortable for prolonged use. So I decided to change it. Here's the end result. It's Suriname ironwood for whatever that's worth. Peened the pins but the wood started to crack just a little bit so I stopped where I was. Damage doesn't look bad. Didn't cost much, the only thing that's spent for the knife is about 10 bucks for the scales and the stainless steel pins. Everything else can be used more than once. All it took was a small $30 belt sander from harbor freight, some epoxy, some epoxy dye, some sandpaper, and some tru-oil, plus minor tools that I already had like a hammer, a drill, and some clamps. Next up are my mule teams.

I'll also be regrinding the blade to be a little thinner, but only after I get more practice with the belt sander. Right now I kind of suck.

Let me know what you think...

.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Nice bro, good palm swell too. The swell looks very subtle. A little Uneven at the lanyard hole.

But dang. I'm no rehandling expert. That looks cool.
Ton of work right there.

I'm rehandling a homemade knife currently. My most hated part of making a knife, haha I dread it.

 

[bodog]

Yeah, the epoxy didnt quite make it to the edges, either. I was thinking about trying to shove some in like you can with mortar but I decided against it.

 

[Phydeaux]

Good job. Its fun to re handle knives.

I've used micarta, osage orange, ipe, maple, and ebony for scale material. I just keep shaping the handle until I like the way it feels in my hand.

Ric

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Very good first job.
Try using brass or nickel silver pins. They peen easily. Stainless doesn't.

 

[bodog]

I sanded the handles up to 1200 grit. If I only went up to like 220 grit would it hold the oil any better leaving a glossier finish? This one didn't get as glossy as I would've liked. I was hoping for a glass like finish.

 

[mikeinct]

You Done really Good..Now you will never look at a nicely figured grain pattern in a piece of wood the same..Which knife should I put that on or make to fit on that?? Hummm...Next thing you know your buddies want one or three..It is addicting..mike in Ct

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Most oily hardwoods don't need a finish. They will polish up like glass if you buff them. Then add a coat of paste wax to really shine them up.

 

[cj65]

Very nice work. My first try had my pins a bit proud. Looks great.

 

[bodog]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I like doing this more than I thought I would. Hopefully others can see that they're able to make a knife that's only so so into something they really like and can be proud of. I know that if I can do it, most others can too.