steak knife handle replacement

[sorcerertd]

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.

 

[Drewby108]

That's a handsome wood for the handle. Were there holes in the handle that you could put pins into? I know woodcraft and other places have stock for those pins. Though for these, I feel like plain brass or copper would look good

 

[egnald]

Very Cool. I have to do this to "our family's favorite knife" one of these days. Too many times through the dish soap have really taken it's toll on the wood and one of the pins that hold the wood on has vanished. Good Job - I love the Bocote. It's such a pretty wood. I've been thinking about using Cocobolo since it is so dense and resistant to damage from water. It was a very popular flatware handle material starting around 1912 after the Panama Canal made shipments to New England more affordable. - Dave

 

[bugradx2]

Very nice job! I've done several knives over the years and my spindle sander has become an essential tool. I'd recommend it if you have several more of these to do and it's in budget.

I'll add a second for the pins from woodcraft, they have some really cool looking mosaic pins in various sizes. Having the dowels in place buried underneath the the surface is a brilliant idea though.

Lots of people (I think) use poly on their knives. Personally, I have only done hunting or fillet knives so I've used Tru Oil. If you're not familiar with it, gun makers use it to put the finish on their stocks. The formula isn't shared but everything I've seen leads me to believe there is a fair amount of linseed oil in it. You'll need to allow time for coats to dry but it makes for a nice finish.