Wrapping a Knife Handle With Snake Skin??

[L6steel]

I picked up a real nice diamond back skin. I was wondering if anyone has ever wrapped the slabs on a full tang knife with anything like this?? If so, I would appreciate any tips you can give me. Is there a way to put the skin onto the slab so that when it is fixed to the blade, the bottom is smooth and as flush as possible, ie... no folds showing or bulges sticking out.

Would wetting the skin make it take and hold
the shape of the slab better? What kind of glue and finish would work best? Thanks and take care!! Michael

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!

 

[Jake Evans]

Michael, I like your idea but I can't see how it would be practical as a user. Snake skin is thin and would wear fast at the edges. When it is used it is usually glued to cowhide, as in boots, belts and such. Now if you wanted to use it in a sabre type wrap, I could talk you through that, I've restored about 60 Civil War sabres and have that wire wrap technique down to a tee.

Jake

 

[C L Wilkins]

Michael,
Just an idea, I have seen snake skin used in a pseudo tanto configuration. The fellow first but snake skin instead of sting ray and then cord-wrapped the handle.

One other idea. Use a ferrule and a butt-cap configuration like is done with "twisted wire" handle.

C Wilkins

 

[Ryan Meyering]

Michael,

I've put snakeskins on a bow before, I imagine it would be about the same procedure. The only thing I might change for a knife is to use epoxy instead of Elmers Carpenter's Glue. I got this procedure from the fellow who sold me the skins, and it seems to have worked very well; the skins are really pretty after appplication and the finish looks really nice after about 6 coats. I think he's still selling skins, too, if you need some.

The key is getting all of the scales off after application and before finish (step 10). If you don't they'll really stand out after the thing is finished, so get good strong, wide tape for removing the scales and go slowly!

http://www.brunners.net/Snake%20Skin%20Instructions.htm

BTW, what Jake said is very true; have you thought about making a wood sheath for the knife and using the snakeskin to wrap the sheath, instead? Just a thought...

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[This message has been edited by Ryan Meyering (edited 03-02-2000).]