Handles and such

[MichaelBikel]

-I started making machete scales which led to some research on the handle in general (I had no idea how any of it worked)

-I got sidetracked and started to re-profile a knife and make a new handle for it (same concept but a little less forgiving since knife handles can be so compact)

-Been into axes and getting into knives, always wanted to forge my own (again I have no knowledge on this but basic concepts)

Several questions at hand here since i'm making this a multi-topic thread:

1- What are the top 3 best materials for a machete handle
2-What are the top 3 best materials for a knife handle
3- How difficult is it to forge a knife?
3A- Is there a possibility of using a very compact propane forge? Something I can store in basement but use outdoors?

Any info on any of this would be great, I know there are a few people in here who have a lot of info on this stuff so i'm hoping y'all chime in!

The machete I started making scales for (scales not pictured but all I had was white oak)
DSC05070 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr

Re profiled knife from kitchen knife (handle pictures to come, all I had for this one was some kind of ash which seems too soft...)
IMG_2710 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr

-Michael

 

[flyingblind]

http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=40_311

 

[scooternut]

I've made a small pile of knives using stock removal and heat treating with a forge made from a paint can. That's about as small as you can get. My opening is about 2 1/2 inches and passes all the way through.

I initially tried heating with a propane torch and mapp gas, took forever to get up critical temp. Things go much easier after buying a burner and regulator online that I fuel with a gas grill tank. Heats very fast, I could forge with this setup I'm sure, I just have not tried yet. Though I have been anvil shopping.

And, the coolest bottle opener ever

 

[Marctrees]

Micheal - You really need to edit your post heading title to be more descriptive, even like "Machete making" or something.

"Handles and such" does not describe your post.

Trying to help you, Marc

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

If you will be using the pommel for hammering, steel wold probably be the best handle materiel, unless you are in are explosive environment, then non sparking brass might be the best. On the other hand if you have to beat stuff without leaving a mark, then wood is probably the go-to choice.
...see where this is going?

 

[MichaelBikel]

To all,

Thanks for the response! First off, I don't know how to edit the title of this thread at this point as I see no option to change the actual title...my apologies if this was misleading. Secondly I am aware that I can buy knife/machete scales but I don't feel like paying all that much for them. Yes I understand that horn and exotic wood is expensive for a reason, I guess I should have made my question more in depth. So I guess my questions would be:

What type of wood do you guys prefer for your knife/machete handles? I have not found a need to beat anything with the handle yet...but I am looking for a good looking hardwood I that won't dent/scrape easy but is not too stubborn to work with.

Also, does anyone have any info on blade markings? Specifically I am interested in understanding quality differences between American made, Japanese, Taiwanese ect... The knife pictured below was stamped made in japan but I wouldn't say it seemed all that nice. I have a few similar Americans but they seem to be same quality.

Scooternut: Could you give me a little info on the engineering behind this paint can forge?

Thanks guys

Current state
IMG_2729 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr