Winkler Rubberized Handles

[Tom Brown]

I love them.

How are they done? Where can I get materials to do it myself and has anyone attempted it themselves?

Tips and tricks, please.

Tom.

 

[Matt River]

I have pondered this same question extensively, unfortunately I cannot give you a straight answer on specifics of how rubber handles are actually made. I am around ten books into studying plastics and elastomers so I have some general knowledge but no insight into proprietary process.

Here is what I have so far. Natural material is generally latex, gutta-percha would be superior for handles but very uncommon now. Synthetics are very wide range like neoprene, butyl, EPDM, Hypalon, Viton, buna, silicone rubber, and nitrile for just tip of iceberg. Elastomers are also commonly cross-bonded with plastics for various properties needed. If a particular handle names the rubber used this may help you find out specifics.

Natural rubber latex can be purchased at a large craft store as mold-builder. Paint it over objects you wish to reproduce and then cast into it, I use this process to replicate models I carved many years ago. I do not know if this compound would set up easily in large quantity without heat etc. But the quality of the latex is very good, and latex can be hardened through heat, vulcanization.

Off the shelf products to experiment with are Lexel, plasti-dip, flex-seal, and truck bed liners. A call to a company that provides elastomers may yield great results, right now the limit of my usage is covering cast aluminum handles with coating. Butyl rubber may also be available in tube form from a good supplier. Some compounds can be hardened with heat so although standard silicon may be too weak vulcanization may change this.

 

[Matt River]

Here is the thread you are looking for http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/542709-Rubber-Handles

 

[Matt River]

Looks like rubber horse stall matting is being used a lot for competition cutters and heavy workers. I believe that the source for most companies making rubber handles is likely Kraton Polymers. http://www.kraton.com/

 

[Matt River]

Here is a link to Kraton's section on grips and knobs. Looks like you may have to compound your own or work with a compounding company, not sure but this should give you a direction.

 

[Tom Brown]

Thanks Man!

 

[NJBillK]

Usa knife maker has some horse stall mat squares.
11.5"×11.5"×5/8"

It responds well to a coarse belt, though it will clog fast, it won't wear out the belt. Just clean the belt often with your eraser and it will cut just fine.
Files work well too, oddly though a rough wood file doesn't cut it well, but a double cut mill does great. Again, make sure you have a gone brush for cleaning.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I use neoprene sheet and block. Several knife suppliers, and other industrial suppliers sell it.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

I do not like horse stall mats. Yet - I haven't tried them all, either.
What I have had great luck with is a material that is made from recycled tires. It seems to be made at a higher level of control than other rubber products.
Look through the entire site's products for what might work best for you.
These happen to be 3/8" thick.
They also have rolls that are only 1/4 inch.
http://www.rubbercal.com/rubber-flo...looring/z-cycle-interlocking-rubber-tile.html

 

[jdm61]

I think that some have used gym flooring matts. Some of the other heavy duty rubber flooring products are definitely more attractive looking than the recycled rubber horse stall matts.

 

[NJBillK]

Stacy, how dense/firm does the neoprene that you are referring to feel?

My only experience with the material is in wet suits and that is Really soft, gummy and tears easily.
I am sure that the make up that they use is designed for the manufacturers needs and the density of material is not standard or static.
-------
I am going to look into those floor tiles.
Thanks

 

[Nebulae]

I have had problems with neoprene getting hard and smooth on the surface after a short while, has anybody else experienced anything similar?

 

[J. Rosa]

I have had problems with neoprene getting hard and smooth on the surface after a short while, has anybody else experienced anything similar?

I've experienced the same thing but I don't use it often at all to determine if it's a part of the territory or a one time thing. Guessing it's just part of working with the material.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

I have not done one since 2011, but here is one with the material I linked to above:

 

[hardingknives]

TREX decking is very similar, I have used it severl times on hard use knives and machete. Comes in several colors as well