Surprise Surprise!

[Southern14]

Hey guys. Well I am a teen who has been into knives for quite some time and I've been dying to make my own knife for quite some time and after saving up and getting a bit of help from my dad I have finally gotten a vice and a grinding wheel. Well along with it i purchased a small file with which i would make a knife. well i made it and it turned out quite well. however, just as i finished it our kitchen began getting renovated so I couldn't use the oven for tempering. well today i learned that with just the grinder i put a close to paper shaving sharp edge . its still hard as heak so needs tempering but cant believe it shaves paper.

Apart from the nice surprise, i need handle ideas for my knife. (im trying to upload a picture) since i am technologically handicapped i cant lead a picture. any ways it has rat tail style tang (but for the size of the knife it wont hurt it). any ways, whats a nice pernamanent handle can add too it. of course the handle will be added after tempering. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bailey Knives]

My first advice would be to dull the edge significantly before doing any work on the handle. Either that or find a way to keep the blade covered the whole time. Otherwise you are risking a serious cut.

 

[redsquid2]

I like natural wood, because you can possibly find some without having to buy it. Walnut or maple is often used in furniture, and when people put old furniture out by the dumpster, there's some handle material right there. You just need a saw to cut it down to the approximate size of your handle. It is important that your wood be thoroughly dry, like air dried for a year or so. That is why old furniture is good. It is already dried. Check the wood carefully for cracks and knots before you go to cutting and shaping it.

Places that make high-end trim and moulding will have cutoffs.

Do you have any blue sharpies? I used a blue sharpie to "dye" a maple handle one time, before putting the finish on it. I really liked the color. I cannot remember if it was the light blue or the dark blue, but that is something for you to experiment with. If you use a dye, just be sure to give it at least 24 hours to dry before applying the clear finish.

I would stay away from oak, since it has pores that have to be filled. Merbau also has pores. The tighter the grain, the better, IMO. Ebony is a tough wood with tight grain. You can get a general idea how hard a piece of wood is, by using the thumb nail test. Just push your thumb nail into it, and ask yourself if it is tough enough for a knife handle.

There are lots of handle materials available from online suppliers, just if you want to pay for them and pay for shipping.

Please read the sticky threads regarding safety. We don't want you ruining your lungs by breathing glass particles or other toxic stuff.

Post pictures when you are able.

Andy