Need help with handle design

[TheoRockNazz]

So I was just doing this dagger as a test for creating hamons, but it turned out so well I want to finish it... however I didn't think ahead with handle design.
The blade is a recycled double-convex file, stock removed to shape; the hard part was getting the clay to stay in shape (it's a dagger), so I used so arts-n-crafts pipe cleaners to give the clay better form. I heat treated with my own typical Japanese clay, quenched for half a second in water then moved to oil.
I was hoping you guys would have an idea as to what would match the style. I had been thinking damascus oval guard, and a simple tapering handle, maybe with groove(s) for grip - but I wasn't sold on my own idea.
I would appreciate any input,
Theo

[Steve Sells]

its your call, but I would like to point out you were lucky to not shatter it in the quench with all those file cuts still there in the center line. They will still be a long term rust trap

[Aden Cassidy]

wow it just looks amazing.
Maybe a simple circular handle would look good on it. Say use a couple of different materials to add effect.

[TheoRockNazz]

Aden, maybe something like an oval guard, and cylindrical cocobolo handle?
Steve, in the future should I always grind smooth recycled files?

[Rich Hale]

Maybe google daggers and search knife sales sites and look for blades similiar and see if a handle style calls out to you.

[AJAX]

Looks sweet, I would keep the handle simple. Maybe a birch bark handle with a Little guard or something? can't go wrong with a blade like that though. keep it up.

[JamesG]

Oval guard with a coffein handle . Nice work.

[jmccustomknives]

I would forge weld some allthread on the tang (well do a quick tack with the mig then forge it) and thread a butt cap. I'm lazy that way. I don't think you'd have any problems with cracking as you didn't forge the teeth into the blade. I've wondered if that was possible to get a double hammon. Good work, look forward to seeing the finished product.

[Rich Hale]

Birch bark handle? I have never seen that used on a knife before. Do you have pics of it on a knife?

[TheoRockNazz]

James, a coffin handle is perfect. I've already selected a piece of wood, but the shape is exactly what I'm looking for, Thanks!

[Nespor]

Rich-
http://imageevent.com/paleoaleo/makingabirchbarkknifehandle

[Loneforge]

Theo I've had failures from leaving File Teeth. Stress risers! I anneal then grind all teeth off before forging. The Coffin Handle would be cool. Nice job on the Dagger and the Hamon.

[Rich Hale]

The sheathe in the article on brich bark hadles is wot I had envisioned when it was mentioned..The handle on the knfe made the way they did it makes prrfect sense...Thanks for the link.

[TheoRockNazz]

Thanks guys! I'm working on the guard fit now, maybe I'll have some pictures tonight or tomorrow. Too excited to eat lunch, haha.

[TheoRockNazz]

Here's a pic with the glue drying. Went with a damascus oval guard, fileworked my mark on both side. Soonafter it's finished I'll be handing it over to the photographer for better pictures.

[Loneforge]

Looking sweet Bro!

[bosox]

Here's a pic with the glue drying. Went with a damascus oval guard, fileworked my mark on both side. Soonafter it's finished I'll be handing it over to the photographer for better pictures.

That's a way cooler .

[ThomasPowers]

Take a look at "Arkansas Toothpick" for ideas for the *next* one.

[TheoRockNazz]

My next project couple of projects are going to be about focusing on getting better at painting with crystals. Bought some high vanadium crucible steel and some 1080 - experimentation time!

[JamesG]

They look great and nice work on the hamon.

[JamesG]

They look great and nice work on the hamon.