Handling my new Roselli Leuku....

[Stonedog]

OK, well the missus bought me a Roselli 7" leuku blade and an AK21 blade from Kellam here in the states....

They are the finest knives I have ever owned....

So I am going to put handle on them.....I have the pommels and butt caps.....and rivets the whole bit o' kit....

I am using a chunk o' maple for the handle....

I am totally freaked out doing it!!!

Can anyone help??!!

 

[scruff]

There's a 'scandi' knfie making tutorial in the DIY section of the Articles, also you may want to head over to British Blades and take a look at some of the tutorials over there.

I've recently got myself a couple of scandi blades one of which is Roselli UHC Carpenters, deciding how to put it together is a bit of a nightmare! His blades are excellent.

 

[Stonedog]

Yeah I know its a nightmare! esp trying to fit the pommel and end caps!!!

I guess its best to get it close to finished dimiensions then start fitting everything exact....

 

[ggfh666]

If you are trying to get a bolster fitted, it may be frustrating.
Most of them are not made to exact fit and leave lots of filing to be done.
It may be easier to use bone, as it is softer to work and allows a good fit without gaps.
Rivetting is not a necessity. You can shorten the tang and use epoxy.

I'd recommend studying the 'Easy scandi tutorial by ZDP' on BritishBlades.

 

[scruff]

I've been wondering about bolsters and keep meaning to ask on BB about them, maybe someone here can help answer the questions I keep asking myself.

Are they essential?

From what I've read it they seem to be the "easier" way of fitting a handle, is this true? I often admire PB's knives in the gallery and they look great without them, I'd like to try one similar, but am I just trying to run befroe I can walk?

I'm planning on making a couple of serious users so would it be better to have a bolster?

Will it improve the durability of the knife?

 

[ggfh666]

Bolsters are a bit easier, as you can drill the hole in the rest of the handle bigger without it showing at the front.
It takes more patience without them The longer the tang the harder it is not to widen the gap at the front.
If you use a bone bolster you can work it from the rear end to get the tang through. The front end you work very slowly to just let the tang pass, but avoid to show huge gaps.
Metal bolsters are just to protect the front of the handle I guess, if not for decoration. Maybe someone else can tell?

PBKnives and Dave Barker have mastered the technique and I'm learning from their info and pics. And if I can learn it, most people can.

 

[scruff]

Cheers for that ggfh666.

I wonder if i can perfect the technique in my first go!!

Okay maybe not, I've seen some nice moose antler on brisa I may have to get me some.

 

[ggfh666]

I'd go for reindeer the first time.
It has some marrow and is easier to work.
Moose is much denser...

 

[scruff]

I didn't wanna choose reindeer because of the marrow. The moose looks nicer , reindeer doesn't look 'uniform' enough and I've seen it can go a little grey in the middle if not well sealed.

Maybe I'll get one of each to give it a whirl....maybe some buffalo too! (i'm trying to pick colours to be completelmentary to the wood I've got too you see)

 

[Stonedog]

How do you say "Hijacked thread in British?"

 

[scruff]

Stand and deliver!

:sad6: 'bout that stoney.