Looking for suggestions for someone to put scales on a couple of blades

[Fat_46]

I have 2 blanks I need to get handled - any suggestions for decent scale makers?

I'm also going to need sheaths, and would prefer leather, so I'll take those suggestions as well!

 

[hso]

It's not that difficult (if I can do it anyone can).

Full tang, reduced or stick tang?

 

[messerist]

What kinda blanks? What sort of handles? I'm pretty close PM me if you want to discuss it.

 

[Fat_46]

Full tang on both. If I understand the process I'll need the handle material, appropriately sized pins, and some epoxy. Trace the tang onto the scale material, cut, shape, drill, pin & glue, polish. Is that about right?

I'm going Micarta for one, and some sort of fancy stabilized burl for the other.

If nothing else it may be a great opportunity to buy a band saw and a belt grinder!

 

[bikerdoc]

Full tang on both. If I understand the process I'll need the handle material, appropriately sized pins, and some epoxy. Trace the tang onto the scale material, cut, shape, drill, pin & glue, polish. Is that about right?

Yep, thats how I started. give it a try. And Messerist is a good mentor.

 

[messerist]

Never pass up an opportunity to get more tools!

 

[jyo]

Interesting thread---I too have been thing about buying a Fallknvien S1 (full tang) blade and having it fitted with stag grip plates to match some of my SAAs w/stag. Recommendations?

 

[Valkman]

If I understand the process I'll need the handle material, appropriately sized pins, and some epoxy. Trace the tang onto the scale material, cut, shape, drill, pin & glue, polish. Is that about right?

Add some acetone to that and it looks right - acetone really cleanes up epoxy. This isn't real hard, but the main thing is to finish the front edge of the handle BEFORE installing, because it's impossible to do after.

I too have been thing about buying a Fallknvien S1 (full tang) blade and having it fitted with stag grip plates to match some of my SAAs w/stag. Recommendations?

Stag is a little different as you must thin the slab from the back. The best way to do this is with a 4 x 36" grinder with a 50 grit belt. Still easy.

 

[Black Toe Knives]

I have 2 blanks I need to get handled - any suggestions for decent scale makers?

I'm also going to need sheaths, and would prefer leather, so I'll take those suggestions as well!

It always starts out like this. I only want to add some scales to a couple of blanks. Welcome to our world.
I have some Maple Burl I send you, just email me. Epoxy is messy, I use Gorilla Super glue instead.

 

[Black Toe Knives]

This isn't real hard, but the main thing is to finish the front edge of the handle BEFORE installing, because it's impossible to do after.

You don't have a flat file with one edge ground off yet.

 

[Valkman]

You don't have a flat file with one edge ground off yet.

Sure I do, but the "S" shape I put on the front edge won't let a file get it to much of it. I'd much rather finish it to 400 grit and buff it so it looks like glass before I epoxy it.

 

[JTW Jr.]

Sure I do, but the "S" shape I put on the front edge won't let a file get it to much of it. I'd much rather finish it to 400 grit and buff it so it looks like glass before I epoxy it.

Word ! Hard to get that rounded shape on the front after the handle is in place. Rather than have the scales begin at a right angle to the blade , I prefer to have the front angled , gives it a nicer appearance , and makes sheathing/unsheathing easier.

 

[Fat_46]

I picked up some tools and a decent block of stabilized "ink line" maple...and this is how the first set came out:

I didn't want to put holes in the wood for pins, so I made the pins go through the blank, and 1/3 into the wood on each scale so they're hidden. Its not a perfect job, but who attains perfection their first several hundred attempts!

 

[Valkman]

Nice handles!

 

[Fat_46]

Valkman - I just sent some extra large walnut crotch burl blocks off to be stabilized - they will be going on to one of your D2 fughters.

 

[Al Thompson]

Nice!