Thoughts on finishing bolivian rosewood

Interesting idea with the CA, I will have to mess with that. I still feel that "work" knives are best done with good G10 or Micarta though, the right synthetic, like the right steel, makes life easier in rough conditions.

One little project I'm working on is ways to do a form of checkering on G10 and Micarta. Basically a way to balance their easy cleaning and upkeep properties with the issue of grip in the wet and nasty. Not every knife can provide a firm grip just by handle shape, so a way to add some subtle but functional texture is something I'm looking into. The various grind styles, where random indents are put on the material with a small grinding stone, aren't my style, either for use or on something I make. I can see the value and appeal, but it's just not for me so I figure I can find another option that will work.
 
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In regards to checkering/patterns in the handle for retention: I would prefer more makers spend time checkering the scales along the spine of the tang, rather than going crazy on the flats. In looking greatly how I use my knives I have discovered that the texture on the sides of the handle are secondary to overall handle shape and the fact that the spine edge is almost always in contact with my hand while regularly a great portion of the side of the scales are not in contact/ only partially contacted.
 
Interesting observation, and matches my own experience, but I hadn't even thought of that in terms of the texture, great idea. Maybe a fish/snake scale pattern or something along the top and bottom... As I said, it's an ongoing project so I don't expect to put it on anything for sale anytime soon, but this is just the kind of brainstorming that helps us improve our craft.
 
And I never thought of the scale pattern- repeatable, unique, could be done by hand/laser/graver. Change the pattern to work with wood grain of handle/micarta grain etc. Nowyouhave piqued my interest.
 
CUTS LIKE A KRIS said:
In regards to checkering/patterns in the handle for retention: I would prefer more makers spend time checkering the scales along the spine of the tang, rather than going crazy on the flats. In looking greatly how I use my knives I have discovered that the texture on the sides of the handle are secondary to overall handle shape and the fact that the spine edge is almost always in contact with my hand while regularly a great portion of the side of the scales are not in contact/ only partially contacted.
Click to expand...

I think in general people don't make handles wide enough. I like a good hand full of wood on my handles. When I get home I'll post a picture of a chopper I'm making. I've used a checking file around the whole suite and belly of the handle. It doesn't have scales on it yet, but it's very grippy. The jimping isn't too aggressive so hopefully it'll be comfortable enough for prolonged use.
 
On a heavy use knife I agree, a full grip is nice. On the other hand, for a lighter duty knife, where serious force is not involved I prefer a slim and light handle. It's as much psychological as anything else, the more junk we have to carry around the more annoying it gets and the more we value thin and light. With that in mind I focus on removing anything not needed. Heavy duty chopper? Big handle makes sense. Small detail oriented knife meant for limited application of force? Thin handle well suited to a variety of grips, much like a scalpel or razor.

Lol, you should see my day to day collection of carry gear. Thin knife, thin/short phone, thin firearm, thin note pad... lol
 
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