Spiral wrapped silver wire

[John L]

I want to make a folder with twisted, spiral wrapped silver wire let into a small filed groove on the scales. I guess that this wire would be cut off every time it returns to the liner...but how to fasten securely. Anyone know how this is done? It is not a true spiral as on a bowie.. Thanks for any input.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The simplest way is to make it appear to be a true spiral. The trick is that each scale is its own spiral. Temporarily assemble the scales to the frame and mark the spiral so it flows from one side to the other (avoiding rivets and screws). File the grooves enough to be sure they are in the right alignment. Remove the scales and adjust the depth of the grooves until they are as deep as you want them. Now turn each scale over. On the back mark a line from one groove across the back to the next, continuing to complete the spiral. Use a file, or fine tooth saw,to make a groove deep enough for the wire to be set in so it will be slightly below the surface of the back..At the ends of the spirals, drill a small hole about 1/4" in from the edge. The hole should go through the groove on the outer side (so it won't show when the wire is in the groove). These holes are your start and stop holes. Bend the end of your twisted wire at 90 degrees. Stick in the hole from the bottom.Clip it to length so the end just stops at the outside groove. A drop of superglue will hold this in place. Go around the edge of the scale onto the front side, up an over the hole with the end in it, across the scale, around the other edge, across the back,........ until you get to the other end of the scale. Bend the end at 90 degrees , clip it short,and stick it in the final hole to finish the wrap. A drop of super glue will hold it in place. You can fill the grooves on the back side with epoxy or JB weld and sand the back flat now. Do the same for the other scale. When the scales are reassembled the wire wrap will look like the bowie handles, with the spine and blades in between . It is important that you initially set up the spiral ON THE FRAME. If you just put the two scales back to back, the spiral would not line up right when the folder frame is added.
I hope this is clear enough. If necessary I can do some diagrams, but I think you can figure it out from here.
BTW, make sure you anneal the twisted wire after twisting it. It needs to be dead soft for this kind of wrapping.


I have an automatic that I was going to handle in mammoth. I might twist up some gold wire and do this on it.
Stacy

 

[John L]

Understood. Many thanks.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Do you have a photo of what you mean?
Thnx