sorcerertd
Member
The plastic handles on these old knives were in really bad shape. I could actually crush them with my thumb. Needless to say I decided to try to upgrade them. They've been around for more years than I can even remember. This is the first time I've ever attempted something like this, so here are the results. I have a second one almost done. I don't think it's half bad at all, but I don't think I'm going pro yet.
It turns out that a pen blank is the perfect size! This is Bocote. I cut the blanks in half and sanded them smooth, then cut them close to shape on a scroll saw. Rather than attempt to use bolsters, I drilled them (obviously very shallow,) and used dowels with Gorilla glue to hold the scales in place. The final shaping was done on a disc/belt grinder, though I might have to look into an oscillating spindle sander if I keep going with this. I'll need to be more careful to keep the blade off of the sander. Oops. For now, I'm just treating them with cutting board oil and wax. I'm open to other thoughts or ideas to protect the wood.
It turns out that a pen blank is the perfect size! This is Bocote. I cut the blanks in half and sanded them smooth, then cut them close to shape on a scroll saw. Rather than attempt to use bolsters, I drilled them (obviously very shallow,) and used dowels with Gorilla glue to hold the scales in place. The final shaping was done on a disc/belt grinder, though I might have to look into an oscillating spindle sander if I keep going with this. I'll need to be more careful to keep the blade off of the sander. Oops. For now, I'm just treating them with cutting board oil and wax. I'm open to other thoughts or ideas to protect the wood.