wood blocks wider then 2" are a myth

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grumpy_grinder

Joined
Oct 2, 2015
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I'm just trying to source some material for a knife handle and I need a block just shy over 2" wide , 2.5" would be ideal. It seems the largest I can or have found is 2" everything else is narrower.

from the top of the handle to the bottom of the pommel is 2"

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If anyone could point me in the right direction to find a larger block that would ship to the great white north.

regards

one real grumpy_grinder
 
Try and get ahold of a higher end furniture or cabinetry maker that is reasonably close. They will know the lumber yards in their area that carry some of the more exotic woods. Odds are the yard will have scraps they could sell for a reasonable price. My local lumber yard makes a small business of this. I can get some fantastic walnut, rosewood, mahogany, and other semi-exotic woods there for very reasonable prices as a result of them being nice sized pieces of wood left over from sawing sheets of the wood for the contractors in the area.
 
Mark at Burlsource frequently has oversize blocks for Bowles.
 
Hoffman , I'll PM you once I can figure out how. I tried to find a list of sponsors on the forum but couldn't find it. I remember seeing one here before.
 
Perhaps I'm missing something,,, but I do not see the problem with finding handle material to fit that design. I'm not seeing any dimension of that handle that is greater than about 1.5" in width or height. That's standard... nearly every supplier I know of can get you blocks like that.

Not to be a smart-alec, but you're aware you can adjust/angle the block to fit the overall dimensions you need, yes? The measurement from the top of the handle to the bottom of is not that important. Knives do not exist on graph paper.


Handle materials generally look best when they follow the "flow" of the tang, anyway. Doesn't matter if they're natural wood, stag, or laminates like micarta or G10 or carbon fiber.



I'm a bit surprised that no one else has mentioned this, but I do see a serious problem with your tang design. It's un-neccessarily complicated, and I'll bet you lunch that it's going to be weaker than a "normal" hidden tang.
 
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Let's step back a minute.

Have you ever built a knife from scratch before? What is your experience using knives of that type? What's your background in metal shop/fabrication? How many times have you camped out for a week or more and had to rely on one cutting implement?

Is this design something you developed over several years of working in the field and in the shop?

I apologize if I'm offending you, but honestly... if I had to guess if you had built knives before, my answer would be "hell no". This entire project looks like something dreamed up without any experience. Sorry mate, it's a bad design to start with.

I do NOT mean to discourage you. My aim is to see you actually build something that works! If I were asked to assist a novice or intermediate knifemaker... that design would certainly not be my first recommendation.
 
If a person doesn't want honest, sincere feedback and help, perhaps they shouldn't ask in ShopTalk. It's my understanding that this subforum is for folks who make knives to share actual experience and tips, with those who want to make knives. And for those who make amazing knives, to advise those of who us make decent knives and want to get better.

If someone just wants pats on the back for making a pretty drawing, perhaps Instagram is a better venue for their efforts.
 
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James, check out the other post by Grumpy Grinder
 
timos- said:
James, check out the other post by Grumpy Grinder
Click to expand...

Which one?

Sorry to seem so grumpy (ho ho!) but my questions in this thread are on point.

I have no doubt this person will find out everything he needs to know here if he sticks with it.
 
If this we were my project I'd be looking to cut an angle on the block where it meets the guard to help accommodate for the drop in the heel.
 
I have ... May as well say no to little experience and knife making. What I do have is lots of time spent in the field and hunting and I have a very good idea what I want and what I am looking for. I am not offended james. I appreciate honesty and the time taken to respond. This is the first time I've designed a knife. I'm not a maker that planes on getting into sales or show knives. I want to make quality knives for myself I can depend on when I am far from home in a dangerous climate and environment. If could point out any design flaws I would highly consider any improvement.
 
Side note Grumpy. With that shallow arc on the tang you can have it solid. Just drill the hole from both ends and use a fileor broach to arc the bottom of the hole. If that makes any sense. Sorry if this has been said before.
 
james terrio said:
If a person doesn't want honest, sincere feedback and help, perhaps they shouldn't ask in ShopTalk. It's my understanding that this subforum is for folks who make knives to share actual experience and tips, with those who want to make knives. And for those who make amazing knives, to advise those of who us make decent knives and want to get better.

If someone just wants pats on the back for making a pretty drawing, perhaps Instagram is a better venue for their efforts.
Click to expand...

In your own words you say "apologize for offending".

Hoss
 
Thanks pat , I have decided to go with a full tank as a hidden tang seems to complexe for my skill level at the moment.
 
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