Scaloping front of handle scales question

Justin Presson

Well-Known Member
Does anyone have a good technique to get that little scalloped area? I want to do it on this chef's knife.
This is an example of what I'm talking about. Knives by Burt Foster.
20190223_213936.jpg
 
I'm assuming you have to get the handle down to pretty much finished dimensions first? Trying to figure out if this is something done before or after scales and pinned and glued up. I'm thinking after?
 
The pins are blended into the scallop. That tells me it was done after the handle was glued up. My guess is it’s done on a 2” small wheel or similar.
 
I've done this a few times. You could do it with a small sanding drum in a dremel. Better control and you can see what you're doing. Personally, I would do it before the scales were fastened permanently.
 
Personally, I would do it before the scales were fastened permanently.
There in lies the difference in skill levels. If I did not attach the scales before I scalloped them there is no way they would be symmetrical. More than likely I could Temporarly attach the scales together, scallop them then separate them but something would derail in the glue up. Been there done that, threw the knife in the pond out back...
 
I tried it once, with no planning on a small wheel and it did not turn put good. My problem was they did not align one was pointing toward the spine and the other down. That is what I need help with how to get them both running down the center of the handle. I was thinking of getting my tool rest aligned to my small wheel and resting the spine of the knife on the tool rest so the scales contact the small wheel at the same elevation. I'm going to play with it and see.
 
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