Taking off old handles and buying

[hulagrub]

From another forum, I have learned that to get the handles off, by putting them under a heat lamp, and gently prying them off. Have not tried this myself. I have been looking in flea markets, and the prices on used knives can be higher than just going to Walmart for the same knife. Just have an aversion to tearing up something brand new.
Slabber says there is a knife maker just down the street from his shop, will probably go there, the next time we get to visit Deans shop. It's Krein Knives, and his website is still under construction.
Also, AG Russell Knives sell seconds, and I go by there daily, guess I should stop in. Most everything they sell is high end, though. They have a website.

[Seth]

    http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=1   

[El Dorado]

Knifekits.com has some very nice kits. I have built about 6 of them so far. Heating up handles to about 200 degrees works if the scale (handle) is epoxied or just glued on. Most however have a rivet or two that the head of will have to be ground down a bit first.

If getting a knife either as a kit or new or used, something very important to consider it having a straight line on the bolster, or you having the right equipment to grind stone to a very precise curve, usually much smaller than a wheel on our cabbing machines.

This is one I did a few years ago. It actually has a 16-1 cab for the button. Yup, push the button and it switches open very fast! The safety button on top is 14K gold along with the gold in the former thumb stud location. It has a Damascus blade, scales are from burl Olive....... still have this one!

[Taogem]

Beautiful knife Steve..

Say, what do they call that appearance/pattern on this blade ?

[hulagrub]

Steve, I did forget about those rivets. They could be ground around, with a dremel, before trying to pry the handle loose. Also, figure it to be a good idea, to avoid a knife with screws in the handle.

[ScarlettoSara]

Very nice knife. Ok I am gonna confess.. I want one:)

[thewrightthings]

Steve, love that Damascus steel blade.  It makes beautiful jewelry, as well.

[Charlotte]

Sara,  I ask Dave to find a small knife for me and I will do a rhodochrosite handle for it.  I would carry it in my car, or my purse, or just look at it!

[ScarlettoSara]

I have a few old old knives somewhere that belonged to my granddaddy and I think one was even his shaving knife. I remember seeing one that was missing one side of the blade.  I want to find it and maybe do something with it to give to my oldest son.
Rhodo would be perfect stone for a lady's knife.

[azsavit]

Very nice knife! I love the olive burl. Most of the olive I have seen is less uniform in color.... your knife reminds me of mesquite burl (which smells delicious as you are working it).

[The Polished Pebble]

Love the knives, but ladies......must rain on your parade, sorry.

Rhodochrosite would not make for a good choice of stone on a knife handle. It is way to brittle & soft. Would break up very fast swimming around in a purse. (I can say that since I too carry one.)

You will find that, other than those knives that are never intended for use, the stone that is used is a very hard & stable stone. That doesn't scratch or break easily.

Connie

[Bluesssman]

This whole knife/rock thing has really inspired me. I have a box of old knives, many with broken handle parts and now I know what to do with them!!!


Gary

[ScarlettoSara]

Thank you Connie:) I would just carry mine around and maybe pick my teef with it occassionally but I sure dont want one that will break up easily. So maybe a 7 mohs or harder stone? What kind of stones Connie?

[Buck75]

Sara you need some nice lace agate handles. ;)

Donnie

[ScarlettoSara]

Ohhhh Donnie, Excellent Idea:) I even got a hunk of it on the floor by my feet:)
If I ever get to leave this house again I will take it and get it slabbed.
We got more snow than we have gotten in 20 years:(