Advice on handle for SM#1 blade

[gorilla]

just got my stuart mitchell #1 blade from a sale on BB, and i'm going to attempt to handle it myself
don't really know what i need in terms of pins, corby bolts, liners etc, and want to try a manmade handle - micarta maybe, or i have been looking at Corian and Rec Stone scales -anyone have any experience with these?
any general advice/tips would be gratefully received - i don't want to mess up the blade with a rubbish handle - i've read the tutorial on here, and it looks within me to do it, just wanted to tap the knowledge here before i start!
thanks

 

[Greg]

You could always do what I did, I bought a cheaper blade and asked John Fenna to tutor me whilst I fitted my first handle, now I am ready to re-handle a couple more fancier blades. What I am trying to say is, see if there is someone that lives near you who would be willing to tutor you. That was the best way I found to learn IMHO of course.

 

[Bernie Garland]

if you can get away for a weekend or just a day, and can come to derby, i'll show you how to handle up,with pleasure,pm me if your interested.

cheers bernie

 

[Dougster]

As it's 01 mate. I'd start with a nice bit of wood - that stone is supposed to be a bu##er and micarta all has to be done with dust masks and is not nice to start.

I'm happy to send you some bolts - I'll lend you the counterbore to fit them perfectly too.

I got mine today and I can't wait to get cracking.

It's a shame you're so far away (and yes you are a long way away mate ) otherwise we could run them in tandem.

Tell you what - I have some nice ash I'll chuck in too, as you're such a patient fella.

 

[gorilla]

thanks everyone
Greg - very sensible idea - i think i will do that
Bernie - i'm due a visit to my mum in Burton soon, so i will PM you nearer the time
Rich - excellent advice as always mate

 

[Jedadiah]

Hey Big 'G', did you ever get that project finished with Dougster using the figured Ebony? I have'nt seen any pic's yet!

 

[gorilla]

Hey Big 'G', did you ever get that project finished with Dougster using the figured Ebony? I have'nt seen any pic's yet!

it's nearly there - the full story with photos to follow.....

 

[rapidboy]

I did this one in corrian because it's a kitchen knife and will take washing and drying with no ill effects

to match my big WS kitchen knife

I had a look at one that Stu had finished in blue G10 and he had kept the lines crisp and the edges quite sharp and it really worked so i tried to do the same sort of thing on this one rather than trying to round the edges.

I used it in anger for the first time tonight to slice some veg and it really is a pleasure to use, the blade has already starteed to take on a faint patina due to those red onions.

I love carbon kitchen knives, they develop so much character.

 

[gorilla]

how easy is the Corian to work with RB?

 

[Bernie Garland]

how easy is the Corian to work with RB?

i find corion easy to work with,but its a heavy handle,but polishes superb

bernie

 

[rapidboy]

Aye it's easy to work with.
Shape with files and sandpaper then finish sand to say 400 grit followed by a session on the buffer should have it looking well.
It's not a material i like to use on other knives, i know you do see bushcraft knives with it but i don't like it for anything other than kitchen knives.

 

[Bernie Garland]

Aye it's easy to work with.
Shape with files and sandpaper then finish sand to say 400 grit followed by a session on the buffer should have it looking well.
It's not a material i like to use on other knives, i know you do see bushcraft knives with it but i don't like it for anything other than kitchen knives.

rapidboys bang on there, to heavy for a bushcraft knife.

bernie