How to have knives made with scales from special wood?

RBMc · Post by **RBMc** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:05 pm

Greetings,

I have a special piece of wood (it's actually a log left over from an old bonfire). I'd like see if anyone can fashion and attach scales for knives made from this burnt log. I would be willing to think about custom folding knives or stock Queen/Moore Maker knives with scales from this log substituted. I'm not even sure this is possible as I've never made knife scales. Does anyone know who I could contact about this project or have any recommendations?

Many thanks,

RBMc

The burnt log below was leftover from a campfire/bonfire spent with my cousin (who was my closest friend) and several other friends during the holidays seven years ago. My cousin was killed the next day and thus the log below is quite sentimental. Any ideas/help/advice would be much appreciated.

ea42 · Post by **ea42** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:23 pm

RBMc,
I'm really sorry about the loss of your cousin. This seems like a great way to have something to remember him by. The wood would probably have to be stabilized (hardened), before you could make scales out of it. You could contact Muskrat Man, an excellent knife maker, about it. He can be reached at the following site:

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... ome_page=y

His computer has been down the last couple of days, but it might be back up by now. He's done a fantastic job on re-handles for a good number of this forums' members. You might even get a message from him on this thread.

Eric

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:30 pm

I'd start out by scraping off the black until you hit solid wood. If it is pithy or you want to leave a little black or discoloration I'd cut up and have it stabilized by WSSI or K&G, unless it's Claro Walnut send it to K&G, WSSI can't stabilize Claro Walnut as it blackens on them, but K&G does a great job and I have some wonderful exhibition scales. By you shaping the wood blocks, you would be able to decide what grain pattern/colors will show.

If the wood is in bad shape, or pithy, stabilization may be the only way to go. Depending on the size of the log and the use of stabilization you may end up with a couple fixed blades and several folders.

There are a few who can help you on this site, I'm booked through at least Feb. or March of 2008. Backlogged due to shoulder surgery.

RBMc · Post by **RBMc** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 12:32 am

Eric & Hukk,

Many thanks for the advice. I honestly didn't know anything about stabilizing wood for scales (and my family is in the lumber business)! I've really been impressed Muskrat Man's work, and I'll contact him regarding availability and ideas.

RBMc

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 12:37 am

Good Luck. K&G is in Arizona and WSSI is in Iowa, I believe and I have enjoyed working with both.