Handles

[coltpax]

Yea, I've been forging knives for quite a while, and I havent done much in the handle department. I've used oak, supelia, mahogany, and antler, and I was wondering what you other guys like to use for handles on your bladed utensils.

[Rich Hale]

GET a copy of one of the knife magazines and look at what others have used and there are suppliers listed there also. Also review the knives listed here in the gallery. Most of the makers tell what they are. If you can get to knife show you can not only look at a lot of knives but in most cases ick them up and feel them. Also check out the fit of the handles and how the blend with the guards and butt ca if there is one. I ten to get into fancy materials that drive the price up but there are a lot of materials that are reasonable and look great. What the purpose of the knife is also has a bearing on what you put on it.

[coltpax]

I was thinking about pieces of rubber from a horse stall mat to use on a skinner so it will be non slip and easy to get a grip on when wet. I have looked through those books that come out every year with pictures and descriptions of knives. I have also been to a gun and knife show, but they only sold cheap pakistani knives. The fanciest material I have ever used is supelia, which is an african mahogany with a thick, rich blood red color. Looks a bit like blood wood.

[Finnr]

I use bone, antler and any local hard woods I can get free. OK. I'm cheap!
Finnr