Tried to make scales--failed

suchmuchfun · Feb 4, 2011

Believe it or not, we have basically been iced in here in DFW this week. I was able to get out last night before the new snow came in to get some supplies to make scales with for my Izula. I had picked up some purple heart blanks a while back and figured the project would keep me from going stir crazy. It did take up a few hours of my time, but I have nothing to show for it.

What I wanted to do was make 2 halves that would envelope the entire handle. I tried to recess the handle into the two halves using a router attachment on my dremel. What it boiled down to was that my blanks were too narrow (router slipping) and the line of sight too small (couldn't get enough light in to see the line clearly). I screwed up 2 of my 4 blanks, so I quit.

The blanks are about 1 1/4 wide, so just barely wide enough for what I was up to. My next plan is to just make them like the Izula II scales and be happy with that.

Any more advice? Also, good screws to hold it together?

Inkedshooter · Feb 4, 2011

Files and sandpaper are your friend... Here's a link for style of screws.
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/connec...6.html?zenid=538b1c17a526181dad07140b268c4af3

jamesmtl · Feb 5, 2011

Inkedshooter said:
Files and sandpaper are your friend... Here's a link for style of screws.
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/connec...6.html?zenid=538b1c17a526181dad07140b268c4af3

excellent link.
Thanks for sharing. I will attempt to make my own scales for my izzy too.

to the OP show us what you ended up with :thumbup:

ikilledkenny · Feb 5, 2011

ive thought about trying to make scales that go around the frame of the knife, but hollowing out the inside would be a pain i think. i still havent finished the rc-3 scales i started

Decklin · Feb 5, 2011

I made a set of wood handles for my Izula and used chicago screws to attach them. I also used epoxy to fill the hollow area of the handle, acting to help in attachment and act as a spacer. I have since removed these and realized the 3,000 lb epoxy was likely enough to do the job alone. I removed them because I was not happy with the chicago screws. They were large, ugly and protruded from the handle. I would recommend getting some actual knife handle hardware from one of the online knife maker supply stores, because from what I can tell you can't get this stuff at the local ACE or Lowes. It is a fun project, Good Luck.

rayban · Feb 5, 2011

Decklin said:
I made a set of wood handles for my Izula and used chicago screws to attach them. I also used epoxy to fill the hollow area of the handle, acting to help in attachment and act as a spacer. I have since removed these and realized the 3,000 lb epoxy was likely enough to do the job alone. I removed them because I was not happy with the chicago screws. They were large, ugly and protruded from the handle. I would recommend getting some actual knife handle hardware from one of the online knife maker supply stores, because from what I can tell you can't get this stuff at the local ACE or Lowes. It is a fun project, Good Luck.

You should try Corby Bolts...very much like Chicago screws, and come in stainless and brass......they will stick way up past the surface of the handle, but when finishing your handles, you cut/grind them down to the surface, then when finished look just like pins.....

Decklin · Feb 5, 2011

Rayban thanks for the advice. Will give this a try next time.

suchmuchfun · Feb 5, 2011

rayban! Was hoping you would wander in. Your work was one that inspired me to start this little project. Spent a bit of time cyber-stalking you and a few others last night to get some ideas.

I have some plans to keep going. I'll keep you all posted.