Now pin the butt cap:
Then, get it profiled:
Now, I profile the guard:
And see how things are moving along:
Back to the vise pedestal and my knife vise.
The combination of these two tools let me place the knife in any position on the map:
I use Nicholson Cabinet Maker's rasp. They're about 60 bucks apiece, but are precision instruments that are easily controlled.
Gun stock makers use these to shape entire gunstocks!!
They work pretty well on knife handles, too.
Back about '98 I met Jerry Rados, who happened to live only 30 miles from me.
We became close friends.
Jerry is one of the world's top damascus makers and high end art/auto folder makers.
He said if a knife maker NEVER gets his handle material hot, they remain much more stable that they would if they were overheated.
That's why I use files.
In fact - and this is the truth!! - I am still using the one and only belt for shaping knife handles that I began using in the Winter of '09. :what!:
One belt.
A 36 grit that I sometimes use with a 2" wheel to knock off the corners of my handle blocks.
Then, I go to my files.
I have spent $6.00 on "belts" for shaping handles in 3 years.
And I'm still using that one belt.
I am sure the splicing tape on the belt will wear through before the belt is dull.
So, here is the knife after just a few minutes: