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Who does after-market knife alterations?

T

Thrawn

Joined
Apr 24, 1999
Messages
282
I don't know if this should be moved to the makers forum, so if it heads that way, I'll know, right? Anyway, who here does things like refitting handles w/ different scales, anodizing, and refinishing wooden handles, etc? I was wondering if someone would like to put a good hardwood handle (ash, arctic birch, cherry, etc.) on my Cold Steel Vietnam Tomahawk. The handle itself is a bit rattly, but I figure, if I'm going to get a new one, I'd want one special-made. Hell, if someone would be willing to SELL me a nice dowel shaped piece of about 2 1/2" width, I'd just go to Home Depot and ask them to show me how to refit it and lathe it to fit the head. Anyway, I'm also probably looking to get rid of the coating and find some way to blue it or otherwise subdue the shine. Also, if that Dymondwood and Pakkawood stuff available in dowel/rod form? Thanks in advance for your help.
 
The two people I can suggest are;
Frank Recupero, http://members.xoom.com/ats34/
Frank does beautiful work specializing in fine filework, but can definitely fix you up.
Then there's Jake Evans
Hopefully he'll check this thread soon, if not you can e-mail him at,
zzjake@hotmail.com
Jake is working on his site now, he's a knifemaker and would also be perfect for what you have in mind.

I consider both of these guys to be friends, and I know you'll be pleased with their work.

------------------
"Will work 4 Knives!"
Homepage: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=254126
 
Thrawn, you can get 1.5 in diameter Dymondwood rods from Texas Knifemakers supply for $38. The phone # is (713)461-8632 the rods are 48 in long so you'll have more than enough. You attach the head with wedges, but I think the Dymondwood would split if wedged. Try your local hardware store for various ash tool handles. I think you would do better to try and adapt one of those for 5 or 6 bucks and the wedges will come with it. A little sanding, scorching and oiling will work wonders for appearence.

Jake Evans
 
Thanks, Phil, I checked out Frank's site and he does VERY nice work. Got me thinking about filework for the 'hawk's head. How much does a basic (no precious metals or complicated work) job cost, anyway?
 
Thanks for looking at this thread so soon, Jake. You were apparently replying while I was writing my previous post. Anyway, is Dymondwood really wood, in the natural sense? If I cut it up and sanded it, lathed it, etc., would it still have the same properties, or is Dymondwood just wood that's laminated? I'll probably end up doing the whole thing myself, but I really do want it to look nice, so don't be surprised if I bug you or Frank for help/tips.
 
Dymondwood is layers of dyed birch wood laminated with some kind of resin and pressure. Its pretty plywood. I've worked it a few times and it sands ok and will yield a high polish. I've never turned it on a lathe so I can't help you there. But I do know it WILL split if you drive wedges into it. Its not designed for that kind of use, so you might want to drill through the head of the hawk and pin it on, but I can't guarantee the results of that either. I'd go with an ash handle and count on your decorating with brass tacks, leather wraps and relief carving.

Jake
 
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