Cabinet screwdriver with stacked washer handle

[Private Lugnutz]

Has anyone seen a screwdriver like this before? The handle is made from stacked composite washers, like a stacked leather washer handle on some knives or hammers, through which the through-shank is passed. Most of the washers are translucent, but the first one on the shank (which sort of serves as a ferrule), one in the middle and the one next to the end (I think the cap is missing) are made of a red fiber material that reminds me of the red fiber handles on some knives made during WWII by the British in Asia when Bexoid, Bakelite, rubber and other materials were not available.

On the other hand, because it's so simple in construction (the cabinet tip looks to have been formed by grinding), it wouldn't surprise me if it was homemade, either.

It was in a lot of vintage Russian tools, and the seller claimed it came from Russia, but he could've been mistaken. There were other US tools in the mix.

 

[Dibiase77]

I got one very very similar to that a few weeks ago. Can't remember what thread I was asking about it on. Mine looks as if it's missing the top cap as well. Only difference is I believe mine has a brass piece where the shank meets the handle and mine is stacked leather and aluminum

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[Dibiase77]

I believe someone had mentioned to me that they made a screwdriver similar to this in school. Can't remember who at the moment.

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[Dibiase77]

Maybe mine isn't stacked leather. Not sure.

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[Private Lugnutz]

Ah they do have some similarities.

 

[The Cobbler]

I believe someone had mentioned to me that they made a screwdriver similar to this in school. Can't remember who at the moment.

that may have been moi, I made a screwdriver in metal shop with stacked pcs of plexiglass and a cap.we formed the blade and everything . I was going to post a pictures but I don't know where it is right now.

 

[Dibiase77]

Yes. Mines quite a bit more beat up but for a $1 I wasn't complaining. I think I like the clear look better though

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[Dibiase77]

that may have been moi, I made a screwdriver in metal shop with stacked pcs of plexiglass and a cap.we formed the blade and everything . I was going to post a pictures but I don't know where it is right now.

Yes I believe that was you. It's all good. I appreciate the information.

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[Flatcapped]

The red fiber looks a lot like canvas micarta.

 

[Dibiase77]

The red fiber looks a lot like canvas micarta.

Interesting. Now I have something to research tomorrow. Thank you. I don't see any fabric pattern on the handle material but I'm going to take a closer look.

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[Private Lugnutz]

I don't know why, but I am drawn to these kinds of screwdrivers. Here is one I picked up at the flea market yesterday. The shank is not a through-shank. That square core in the handle that you can see where the shank enters and at the **** end is wood. The washers - with square openings - are rubber with knurled edges. Not marked. I don't know if this is a shop project or what, but I like it.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I think a lot of high school shop projects came out of textbooks, or plans that were shared between teachers in newsletters and such, so you'll see similar tools from different parts of the country.

 

[GalaxyRat]

Having worked in the aircraft maintenance industry, I would say you are spot on. Looks like phenolic resin with some type of fabric substrate.

The red fiber looks a lot like canvas micarta.

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