Thickness of handle

[thijsco19]

Planning on making my first knife, I already have the materials ordered, and I did make some designs on paper.

But I still have a question.

What is a good and common thickness and width of the handle?

I ordered some 3.3mm o2* steel which had still the millscale on it. (dont know if millscale the correct word)
Quess it would be between 3 and 2.8 mm when I'm done with it.
And I ordered a pair of 5mm thick G10 scales.

So the total without sanding or something would be around 13mm.
Would that be a good thickness for a handle?

*Small question, O2 steel is similair to O1? I never heard of it but my supplier has no O1.

Thanks!!

 

[ziozeb]

the size and shape of the handle depend on the type of knife and by 'use which will. Last but not least the size of your hand
However, I think that the thickness of the scales, minimum 6.5 mm preferably more 2 to 3 mm above so you can better shape the handle and make a more ergonomic handle.
O1 and O2 are similar steels
O2 is also called K720

 

[thijsco19]

Hey thanks.
Ofcourse, the design.
Here it is,

It's a little bit less than 25cm on paper but I think it will turn out little bit bigger on the steel.

It wont be used much, it's more because I wat to make a knife . But it will lightly be used.
My hands aren't to big but I'm only 17 years old right now, so i quess my hands will grow over the years.

I quess it's just a matter of trial and error, right?

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

Shop talk, specifically Hammer and Tongs, would be the best place for this.

That being said, I recommend you err on the side of thicker. You can always remove material. You can't add new material on easily.

I personally generally use 3/8" thick stock for my scales (9.525 mm).

I would probably also flare the pommel end of the handle on that design, to help promote a more positive grip. When you drill the pin holes, make sure you countersink them a little, so they can't warp during HT.

 

[thijsco19]

Sorry if this was the wrong place, not really familiar with al those sub forums.

This was one of the thickest pieces of G10 they had, so for a first knife this would do.

Well it is a design on paper but it isn't a final design. I will probably change it a little bit while i'm filing it out.

But thank you for you constructive criticism.