Standard Handle Block size

colu41

colu41

Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Messages
1,598
So I've been working on a few more larger bowies. Growing more and more interest in making them as I go. The problem I'm running into is that the standard size block that I purchase, 1x1.5x5, aren't wide enough for the butt flares that I would like to have. How do you guys go about this? Does someone sell slightly oversized blocks? I dont want to have to buy huge slabs for $100s, but then again I dont want a whole lot of waste either. Regardless of what I need to do, Im just looking for blocks slightly wider than 1.5".
Kind of stinks for me, since my current local place I buy blocks and scales from I can get all the Rosewoods, Kingwood, Maple and other blocks for anywhere between $2 and $10 a piece. But, I'm willing to spend more to make a better knife, its simple.
 
I'm just looking for 1x2x5 blocks. Wood & G10. So far Alpha knife is the only place to get the G10 blocks in the size I need. Can't find a decent supply of wood block.
 
I think 1.5x2.5x5 would be a great size. Even with a 2" block it's not enough for a big drop at the butt and 1" isn't wide enough for much flare. That's what I ran into on my first Bowie.
 
I have some Cocobolo blocks that are that big, and im finishing milling some figured ironwood in that size range as well. Let me know If I can help.
 
talk to Ben, I just met up with him this am and grabbed some nice pieces out of his stock, I'm certain he can get you what u need.
 
If you're trying to get a nice flare in a butt that drops a bit, a lot of times just simply cutting the face of the block (the part that sits against the guard) at an angle so that when you put it against that back of the guard, the block will be angled down, can help a lot. I've seen it in a number of WIPs including some of Nick Wheeler's.

Matt R, I followed your WIP and I'm sure you remember the very realistic photo rendering of the changes to your handle that i4Marc did, I'm pretty sure that drop he gave to it could've been achieved by simply angling the front face of the block that you used so that the butt sat lower.

I know it won't always work with certain designs and larger sized handles, but a lot of times it does help, even when you have a larger 2" wide block. It should always help on a handle that drops, even if it's just a little bit or just in the butt area.

edit: I'll try to find a pic really quick.

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been quite a while since I've posted any new vids)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top