This is a prototype. I have had that Wood Master Junior blade kicking around my workshop for ages, so decided to stick some thick, 1/4" leather scales on it, epoxied to the blade, then riveted with large saddler's rivets, textured, then dipped into hot beeswax.
The leather is now hard as nail, although it still feels soft and warm to the touch, and has some slight give to it. With hindsight, the rivets don't need to be as big as they are. I used them because I had them, and thought the bigger rivets would support the scales better. I should also have dyed the leather first, it's taken a funny toffee colour. And I should have sanded the rivets before setting them, as they look a bit rough.
But all in all, I am pleased with this first experiment and I am already planning my next one. I think this is going to be a practical material for knife handle, if not as pretty as some woods or antler. It's less slippery wet than dry too, although I used only water, maybe more slippery with gunge on it!
The leather is now hard as nail, although it still feels soft and warm to the touch, and has some slight give to it. With hindsight, the rivets don't need to be as big as they are. I used them because I had them, and thought the bigger rivets would support the scales better. I should also have dyed the leather first, it's taken a funny toffee colour. And I should have sanded the rivets before setting them, as they look a bit rough.
But all in all, I am pleased with this first experiment and I am already planning my next one. I think this is going to be a practical material for knife handle, if not as pretty as some woods or antler. It's less slippery wet than dry too, although I used only water, maybe more slippery with gunge on it!
