Traditional Knives - How is the shield made/inlayed?

[SSonnentag]

I keep having the same recurring question come up in my mind. I see these really nice custom folders made with the shield inlayed into the handle material. Could someone describe the process of doing this with such precision? The fit is so perfect I can't imagine how this is accomplished.

Thanks,
Shawn

Example:

 

[KnifeHead]

It can all be done by hand by making a shield first then carefully scribing the outline of the shield onto the handle. The tricky part is cutting out the pocket to lay the shield into but if one is careful, it can be done.

We also have tricks. The easiest way on smooth handle materials is to use a template, called a parser plate, that has a tight fitting cutout of the shield to be used. With a vertical mill the pocket can be cut by following the outline of the template and removing enough material to inset the shield.

 

[Tippet]

Why do people put a shield on a handle anyway?

 

[tattooedfreak]

There was a thread on BB that had a link to a video for the traditional way to carve out inlays. It was pretty cool, like using a bow drill for fire starting. Shields are great if the knife is a gift or a rememberance for something. You can engrave dates, initials, names, what have you, in the shield instead of on the blade. Depending on the knife, they can really add to the look.

 

[Patrickknives]

The few I have done is make the shield, with files. just a dot of super glue to hold in place, I then use a xacto knife that has been ground to very slim and carefully outline the shield into the handle, make a scratch at first and then a couple more passes to make deeper. remove the shield (little heat helps) and remove material inside the scribe marks.

 

[Charles Vestal]

Here is a old tool used to do the job.

http://www.watchman.dsl.pipex.com/two-legged%20parser/parser.html

Take care

Charles

 

[LRB]

Patrick gave a pretty good method of inletting the shield. The only thing I would add is that you will a tighter, better fit if you very slightly bevel the edge inward around the inlay, then scribe and start fitting. This allows you to fit it in without gaps if you're careful and take your time.