Wood... whats to small or to big

[Britt_Askew]

I asked this in the general discussion forum and was told this is a better place to ask, I will learn my way around soon.

I am building a website for knife scales , I am putting the final touches on it and will let you know real soon the name. I also went ahead and got my dealer membership today . I have a few questions about block and scale sizes.

I know normally a block is 1" thick but is 7/8 to thin for a block , if not 3/4" ? ? Is 1 1/4 to thick ? Would you want a block thicker? WHAT SIZE BLOCKS DO YOU USUALLY WANT ? What width do YOU usually want ? is 1 1/2 good for you most of the time ? you like 2 " wide blocks? something wider ? Also what is to short or to long ??

Basically the same questions for those who like scales instead of blocks.

 

[tryppyr]

I don't buy scales, I only buy blocks. For me, the size is less important than the chartacter of the wood, but generally speaking, larger is better for me. The smaller the block starts out, the less choice I have in handle shape.

But as I said, if the wood has strong character, I'll buy it regardless of the size with the thought "I'll find a use for it some day". I have a drawer full of "some day" blocks... but I'm always prepared to expand the collection, because some day will come soon.

 

[Burl Source]

What you will see from most suppliers of knife making materials as standard sizes are;
Blocks: 5" x 1&1/2" x 1"
Scales: 5" x 1&1/2" x 3/8" each piece.
In the real world knifemakers will buy anything from a 6 foot long burl slab to 2 inch cut offs.

I hope this helps.

 

[Fiddleback]

I like finding plain sawn planks that are 2" thick and buying them large. This is because scales for even my largest handles can be ripped off each edge and those scales are quartersawn.

 

[David Loukides]

When I buy board I buy 2" thick and make 2"x2"x5." Blocks. It is way over and sometimes I get some scales 3/8" thick if I only need a narrow block.
If I see the block for sale I only purchase if it is 1 1/8" x 1.75" x 5" or bigger.

 

[Britt_Askew]

Thanks everybody. I was cutting up a block of curly walnut last night that was bigger thicker and wider than normal and wasn't sure if I should trim it down.