Stacked Leather and Colored Spacers

[Silverbullet951]

Hi guys,

I'm currently in the process of rebuilding a Cattaraugus 225Q and a couple of other stacked leather projects. I was wondering what the current recommendation on the traditional looking red/white/black spacer material is, like the type seen on old Marbles knives.

I have read that the vulconized fiber ones can degrade or swell. Would thin colored G10 be appropriate and still look traditional? Would it feel weird with stacked leather?

Thanks!
Josh

 

[Scott Hanson]

I make lots of stacked leather handle knives, and have probably use almost every handle material available. To make your knife traditional looking just look at old photos of the same type of knife you are rebuilding and use fiber spacers. Fiber spacers have been traditionally used for decades and if taken care of will easily last a life time. True G10 is more durable but your knife won't be traditional. As far as handle patterns with the spacers the ski is the limit, build it any way you like.

 

[Silverbullet951]

Very nice work Scott! Thanks for the information. I might try a few different types and see what I like best. The section of your knife closest to the antler is exactly what I'm going for.

Anyone know what is the thickness of the Marbles type spacers? I was thinking around .030 or so.

 

[john april]

.030 is the most common size. if the liners swell, then the leather will have had to swell as well. i think you will be fine. it takes a few days soaking in water to swell that stuff up when it is on a handle.