Stacked Leather Handle

I use a thin coat of epoxy after both sides of the leather has been roughed on a 60g belt. Perforate spacers so the epoxy flows through. Coat the intire tang. I tried contact cement years ago but it doesn't like it when the leather gets wet and swells. Now I "stabilize" my leather before assembly, the epoxy likes it. The added benefit is the leather is sealed and polishes up great yet doesn't lose the leather "feel".



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Check out more stacked leather at my links below.
Good luck,
Rudy
 
How do you make the steel ends of the handle? Is that something that requires special tools or is there a simple way to do it and attach it to the tang?
 
Joetrain said:
How do you make the steel ends of the handle? Is that something that requires special tools or is there a simple way to do it and attach it to the tang?
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Thread the last 1/2" of the tang and tap the pommel. It works like a bolt and nut. Coat the threads with red permatex thread sealer. I add a hidden pin inside the handle below the tapped hole in the pommel so you can't turn it again. Someone, someday WILL try and unscrew it so I make it idiot proof.

Rudy
 
Freds Edge said:
Rudy , what do you use to stabilize ? Will the Minwax hardener do?
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I've never used Minwax hardner for anything.
I use polyurethane under vacuum for at least two days and let dry for a few, till the smell is gone. I make big batches so they're ready when I need them. The poly leaves the leather pliable and light. I've also used clear laquer but it's too thick, it needs to be cut with laquer thinner which makes for a volitile mix....don't do it in the house. The laquer dries harder and is more plastic feeling. They both polish up nicely. These are my two best choices after trying everything I could think of over the years. People at shows have told me "No way that's leather, it's too nice".

Thank you Mr Janik.:biggrin:

Rudy
 
You can also bring the end of the tang through the hole in the pommel blank, which you have beveled on the outside, and peen the end over then grind smooth.

Doug
 
I cut a bunch of spacer years ago at the saddlemakers shop that does my sheaths. Than I sent them to K&G and had them stabalized and they worked great like that.
 
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