Wood handle and brass question

G

Gossman Knives

Edged Toolmaker
Joined
Apr 9, 2004
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I'm working on a custom order with an ebony wood handle. My question is do I need to do anything to the wood to keep it from warping? In other words, should I apply some type of wood finish and if so what? Also on the pommel end it's getting brass wrap. The handle is coffin shaped and there will be three pieces of 0.020 thick brass sheet folded over the handle. I was going to epoxy the brass to the handle. Any suggestions to another way to attach it? Thanks in advance.
Scott
 
are you going to put rows of pins in the handle? I think I know what you mean by folding the brass around the handle, couldn't you use some domed brass pins along with epoxy? that's just the way I can picture it ;)
I don't think ebony requires it but you could always send the slabs to be stabilized.
I've used ebony for instruments, never for handles, but it seems tough enough to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it w/o any kind of treatment......including years of play on a guitar :)
just my 1.128 cents :D
Steve
 
Yes the handle will be pinned with 1/8" pins. I did give the idea of pins in the wrap consideration. Thanks
Scott
 
You would be better served using African Blackwood(it's way more stable), but if you have yo use Ebony, don't get it hot, work it always with new sharp belts, slowly, and drill the 1/8" pin holes with a #30 drill bit. They won't be so tight then.
 
I seal most wood with superglue, though ebony doesn't really need it. Sand it off until you get to the wood surface; it polishes beautifully. Others use variations of tung oil, which is perhaps the best finish for any wood handle.

I've never used African Blackwood but based on all the recent threads about it I think I'm going to have to switch myself. Then I'll have to figure out what to do with all this ebony! :D Unless you have a particular reason for using the ebony I'd follow Mike's advice and make the change.

As to attaching the brass wrap, I would stongly recommend using more than just epoxy. The domed pins through the brass and into the wood are a good idea.
 
Thanks Dave and Mike. I do have to sand the wood down to 1/4" thick from 3/8 so I'll be sure not to get it hot. I figured using pins on the brass wrap was the thing to do. Just wanted to hear it from the experts. :D
Scott
 
I checked in my supply catalogs but don't see any domed brass pins. Where is a place to get some? Thanks
Scott
 
I just use the round head brass tacks from a hardware store like Home Depot. Hope this helps and good luck.
 
ddavelarsen said:
I just use the round head brass tacks from a hardware store like Home Depot. Hope this helps and good luck.
Click to expand...
Thanks Dave, that's what I was thinking, brass tacks.
Scott
 
I got the domed pins I need at the True Value hardware store. As a reference they are called escutcheon pins. They should work out good. Thanks Dave. ;)
Scott
 
I've just about finished the knife. The pins worked great. I think it turned out pretty good, but there is definately room for improvement. This knife is far from the knives I typically make. Hopefully the customer will be happy with it. As soon as I can get a pic together I'll post it. It has a rustic look, and is similar to a gamblers style bowie of the 1800's. The brass wrap is around the tang and handle not folded over the side of the handle. This is actually the first knife I made of this style.
Scott
 
Here's a pic of the finished knife. 1/8" D2, flat grind with brass fittings and ebony wood. Dave I used the tung oil and it made the wood look much richer. Thanks for the tip.
Scott
coffinhandle.jpg
 
That sure has "the look" Scott! Nice one. Any chance of seeing how you wrapped the end of the handle? I've never done that and have been thinking about it some lately. Maybe your fault. ;)
 
I can email you a pic of the handle. It's not quite as square as I hoped but it was a pain just to get it where I did. I didn't place the pins even so as to give it a more hand finished look. I ended up using a single piece of 0.020 brass sheet. I crazy glued it on the top flat, drilled the four holes, tapped in the pins and then folded one side at a time and followed the same procedure. At first I wasn't that crazy about the way it turned out but it's starting to look better to me. :D
Scott
 
Well I just got off the phone with customer who recieved this knife, he said and I quote " Absolutely beautiful" now I feel better. I always worry that when I have a special order there will be a problem. This knife was a challenge that I overcame. What a feeling, another satisfied customer. :D Thanks for all the encouragement from everyone here. You guys are the best morale booster a knifemaker can have. ;) :D
Scott
 
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