What wood is good for thin folder scales? I keep having my cocobolo crack!

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
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I'm trying to make some custom scales, and twice now I've had the thin cocobolo I'm using split. Both times it was when I was almost done:mad: In fact, the first time, the scales were done, polished to 2000 grit, and I just wanted to increase the depth of the countersink a little. What wood is good for folder scales?
 
I would suggest adhering them to a very thin piece of g-10 liner with gflex if that doesn't mess up your desired result.
 
Were the pins press fit? If they were forced into the scales or peened to hard it could crack your scales.

As for other wood, try desert ironwood. Super hard and strong wood
 
I would say kingwood. Its a close relative to cocobolo but with a tighter grain that resists cracking better
 
Yeah cocobolo works pretty well. African blackwood is good.
 
no, just took the scales off a cheap knife (start small), then drilled holes for the screws to match those in the G10. The first time I tried to use a larger drill bit to countersink a larger bit, the edge of the bit caught in the hole, and snap! The second time, I was trying to sand the profile, and broke it.
 
If you want to learn how to do scales on folders, use Micarta or G-10 to learn on. then switch to wood. Cocobolo, DI, Blackwod, most all the Australian exotics, etc. will work fine.
 
What kind of bits are you using?

Also, always drill wood, CF, natural materials, etc with a backing like a slab of micarta... otherwise the back will blow out.

Cocobolo is good stuff...
 
What kind of folder? If you are trying to use it on a frame lock or liner lock you need to reinforce it with G10 or thin stainless.
 
It's a steel lined "Navy" brand knife.
new-folding-pocket-knife-frame-lock-stainless-steel-K507-free-ship.jpg


I'm just learning this, so I'm only doing one side, not the liner lock side.

related question: any idea why the lockup would be messed up with a replacement scale? It isn't engaging.
 
Holes are not drilled properly, if holes are not square and in the exact same place will cause all kinds of problems.
 
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