Know any custom knife scale makers?

[Nucking Futs]

I have two knives I want to have new handle scales installed. I've searched the internet and it doesn't look like there is any service providing what I need done. Do you guys know of any service like this? One knife is a 10" kitchen knife with a really old wood handle and two rivets. The other is a 24" sword with crappy scales and two rivets.

 

[HappyHighwayman]

I have two knives I want to have new handle scales installed. I've searched the internet and it doesn't look like there is any service providing what I need done. Do you guys know of any service like this? One knife is a 10" kitchen knife with a really old wood handle and two rivets. The other is a 24" sword with crappy scales and two rivets.

I'd reach out to Bernal Cutlery in SF (415) 355-0773

Might be worth just buying a new kitchen knife unless it's especially good or sentimentl.

 

[James]

DIY. Scales are a fun project and you can shape it to your liking.

I have bought a couple knife blanks and a block of walnut. I used a scroll saw to get the basic shape. Epoxy the scales on and then pound brass stock through and peen it. I get it close with a belt sander, then hand sand to finish.

Will post pictures if i can find them.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/158990825@N04/shares/y9a0H6

 

[TylerW]

DIY. Scales are a fun project and you can shape it to your liking.

I have bought a couple knife blanks and a block of walnut. I used a scroll saw to get the basic shape. Epoxy the scales on and then pound brass stock through and peen it. I get it close with a belt sander, then hand sand to finish.

Will post pictures if i can find them.

Or you can do fun stuff like micarta layups.

 

[Ridley]

You could go to blade forums and seek out one of the knife makers that might be willing to build something for you. I also know there is a company named Halperin Titanium that makes knife handles for Spyderco mule team knives but I don’t know if they make one offs for individuals. It might be worth it to contact them just to see and if they can’t or won’t maybe they would give you a lead on someone that will.

 

[lizard]

DIY. Scales are a fun project and you can shape it to your liking.

I have bought a couple knife blanks and a block of walnut. I used a scroll saw to get the basic shape. Epoxy the scales on and then pound brass stock through and peen it. I get it close with a belt sander, then hand sand to finish.

Will post pictures if i can find them.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/158990825@N04/shares/y9a0H6

Is it standard practice to attach the the scales to the knife with epoxy?

 

[TylerW]

Is it standard practice to attach the the scales to the knife with epoxy?

I've certainly heard of it before. And I could see how it would decrease the sort of very tiny movements that would eventually introduce wear into the rivet/scale joint that would cause the scales to fail sooner.

Not sure if its common practice, but I wouldn't call it a bad idea.

 

[tzrider]

I don’t think it is all that common. If the scales ever need replacing, it would be a serious pain in the ass. I could see an adhesive sealer to keep moisture from getting between the scale and the steel, but epoxy would be overkill if you know how to rivet.

 

[auntiebling]

Approximately every "knifemaker" on YouTube uses epoxy to attach scales. I have no idea if that's proper procedure

 

[berth]

Yea, half the blunders on "Forged in Fire" seem to be makers using slow setting epoxy on their scales instead of the 5m stuff.

 

[Abacinator]

But will it KEAL?

 

[TylerW]

This guy lives up in Santa Rosa, if you want knife scales made of food.

[YOUTUBE]olCI-c7I5xE[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Nucking Futs]

DIY. Scales are a fun project and you can shape it to your liking.

I have bought a couple knife blanks and a block of walnut. I used a scroll saw to get the basic shape. Epoxy the scales on and then pound brass stock through and peen it. I get it close with a belt sander, then hand sand to finish.

Will post pictures if i can find them.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/158990825@N04/shares/y9a0H6

Thanks for your help. That looks really awesome and exactly what I want!

This guy lives up in Santa Rosa, if you want knife scales made of food.

Ramen scales. I've seen everything! Why didn't he use steak??

 

[lizard]

thanks for all the replies to my epoxy question.

 

[James]

I am not an expert. I have not put a ton of research into it. I know the scales have not moved.

I made them for my buddies as gifts. 1 is done and passed on. The rest need to be done. This thread got me fired up again to get em done.

 

[1footdown]

why do they call them scales?

 

[tzrider]

One definition of scale is a thin coating or layer.

 

[lizard]

Have you guys seen vids on youtube where guys take old metal files or radial arm saw blades and make knives from them?

 

[buellistic]

When I read scales.....