Handle texturing tutorial

[Bill Coye]

I first saw this described on another forum posted by Ken Brock. Since then, I've seen variations on this theme. Some guys are using die grinders or putting sanding drums in drill presses. A round file or wooden dowel with sand paper would work as well.

In this case, I'm using G10 for the handles. Once the handle material is brought to the tang, I zipped off the corby bolts.

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/1-20.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/2-15.jpg

From my experience, it's best to use a sharp belt otherwise it tends to grab.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/3-10.jpg

I use a pencil to draw a line as a reference to keep both sides symetrical.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/4-8.jpg

At a 45' angle, begin to make small cuts along the edge.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/5-7.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/6-3.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/8-1.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/9-1.jpg

Now, connect the edge cuts by rolling the scale over the face of the 1/2" contact wheel.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/10.jpg

Either go at a 45' angle again at each new high spot along the edge and/or just repeat the step above.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/11.jpg

Switch to the 1" wheel and remove material where the finger choil is located.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/13.jpg

A little WD-40 or Rem oil and the scales clean right up.
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/12.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/14.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/4mac/15.jpg

I leave the finish at the 120 grit belt used for texturing.

You'll want to grip the knife handle firmly to find any sharp areas that need to be addressed.

Now you've got an aggressive, extra-grippy knife handle.

Tag, you're it!

[JAWilliams]

Great tutorial Bill. Thanks and I will have to try it.

[Jeff Pearce]

Great work Bill.

[Rusty McDonald]

What size wheel is that? oops nvm didnt have my glasses on. 1"

[Bill Coye]

What size wheel is that? oops nvm didnt have my glasses on. 1"

Rusty, I do most of the handle work with a 1/2" wheel and switch over to the 1" for the finger choil area.

I've also switched up between the 1/2" and the 1" on larger knives but for those little knives I stick to the 1/2" wheel for most of the work.

BC

[p moore]

Nice work, that's alot easier than the way I did it :rolleyes:

Paul

[Bill Coye]

Had a question about the finish:

I use a 120 grit belt for the texturing and leave it that way - no additional sanding of any kind is used.

BC

[Tod Lowe]

Great tutorial....thanks for posting !

[Ivan Campos]

Tanks for te tutorial.
I ave just used it, but wit a Dremel as I don´t ave a small weel adapter on my belt rinder, and it worked fine.

[sgmtino]

awesome tutorial looks easier than how I do it

[Rock]

Cool, Bill! Thanks!

[Bill Coye]

Cool, Bill! Thanks!

Your welcome - props to Ken Brock and Martin Olexey.

BC

[Ken Brock]

you use a pencil to mark stuff?

cheater!



2thumbs

[GLWJ/CK]

Dern! I can't get past profiling the scales to fit. :unsure:

[Bill Coye]

you use a pencil to mark stuff?

cheater!



2thumbs

Yeah....a little more practice and I'll be able to eye-ball it like the big dogs ;)

BC

[Ken Brock]

Yeah....a little more practice and I'll be able to eye-ball it like the big dogs ;)

BC


hell, I can't even draw a straight line with a ruler!

[N.D.]

Great Lesson, I loved it, thank you!2thumbs

[DrThunder88]

This looks better and is appears far more controlable than my attempts. Many thanks!

[Preacher]

NEW TO THE FOURM,LOVE IT,MAN I REALLY LIKE YOUR KNIVESAND THANKS FOR THE LESSON ON HOW YOU FINISH YOUR HANDLES,I BELIEVE I WILL TRY IT,THANKS AGAIN