SinDoc Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 It seems there are all kinds of options for what material to use for handle scales. For wood, I get the gist that iron wood seems to be a favorite with some very close contenders. I have a rather large log of cherry that I have had laying around for years (always inside) that I had initially wanted to make a small table top out of, but alas, that project never panned out for various reasons. Would cherry be an acceptable material for handle scales? If so, would being un-stabilized be ok since cherry is fairly hard and naturally resistant (at least I remember cherry being quite resistant to damage/wear and tear). Would be nice to finally put this log to use, although I don't quite know how I will get it chopped up enough to get manageable pieces for handle scales. Bad boy is little over a foot wide and roughly 5' long and I don't have any means of nicely reducing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 How would you be finishing the handle? One of the most traditional woods was rosewood, then things like beech and apple and pear---back in the days when the handle was a handle. When they got fancy it was often silver or MOP---I picked up a set of table knives at a thrift store that were MOP handles with a sterling ferrules and silver plated steel blades, cost me 25 USCents a piece! For custom knives where the handles are a big part of the "art" in them, most any wood with interesting grain or colour has been used. Weak/soft ones often being stablized to allow their use. I've had a cherry handled camp knife that has been going strong for over 20 years now with minimal finishing and upkeep. A hand rubbed tung oil finish would probably make it last a couple of genertions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinDoc Posted June 3, 2021 Author Share Posted June 3, 2021 This is all an experiment for me, but was highly curious if cherry should be stabilized or not. I didn't think it would need it being a pretty hard wood to begin with. I wanted to somehow cut some pieces out of that log, attach them to the tang via pins and epoxy then sand to a nice texture and stain/seal it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 NICELY reducing it? NICELY? What's nice about being sawed into pieces? Have a hand saw? you can peal the bark, saw into one side a bit longer than your desired scales and split it out with a wood chisel. If it turns out the grain isn't straight enough to split out you might have to saw them out. A little elbow grease and a pawn shop hand saw is all you really need. Of course a friend with a chainsaw would be SWEET. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinDoc Posted June 3, 2021 Author Share Posted June 3, 2021 I have a hack saw but don't think it is quite long enough lol. The piece has long since been de-barked and it has been sitting inside drying out for probably 4ish years. I may just go rent a chain saw for a half hour and slice a couple pieces off of it. Make it a CUT above the rest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 I've picked up all manner of hand saws dirt cheap at fleamarkets, thrift/ resell shops and other places. I have a stack of them on a shelf and keep a few nicer ones hanging on the bench wall. I've even had some give to me for scrapart. You'd be surprised how nice and quick a sharp carpenter saw can cut through a plank. It's good to have one on hand for small projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeJustice Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 A chainsaw would waste more of the wood and can be more difficult to control. On the other hand, if you got one of those saws which require a buddy working the other end, you could make some nice, even cuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 You always wanted to make a froe (grin). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 3, 2021 Share Posted June 3, 2021 A bow saw may be what you need; I've found 3 of them at the scrapyard the last couple of years. Put a replacement blade in them and go to town and when you are done sawing wood, make a replacement blade from bandsaw blade and saw metal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted June 7, 2021 Share Posted June 7, 2021 On 6/3/2021 at 1:20 PM, Glenn said: make a froe That is my suggestion also. You can split thin shakes off the log to then cut into scale sized pieces. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/57444-how-to-use-a-froe-making-shingles/ https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/43653-making-a-froe/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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