Marking Knife Handle Advice

[John Padgett]

Hello. I bought a couple of marking knives from Japan Woodworker, and cannot decide how best to put a handle on them. Any suggestions?

http://www.carolinacraftworks.com/MarkingKnife.jpg

I was going to turn one and burn it in. Has anyone made a better one?

Thanks.

John.

[Roy Griggs]

Personaly I like scales over a round handle for knives, like these...
http://www.shavingsandsawdust.com/projects/markingKnife/markingKnife.asp

roy

[Steven Wilson]

I like just adding scales. This knife is a Ron Hock marking knife blank. I drilled a couple of hole in it. I then traced the outline of the handle on some ebony, cut it out on the jig saw (not too close) then epoxied one blank to the blade. Once cured, drill out the holes into the blank and epoxy the other blank on to the assembly. Once cured, use the holes in the first blank as a guide to drill the other blank. Now take some brass pins and fit them into the holes. Peen them (moving metal is fun) and then finish shaping the handle. A bit of finish and you're all done.

[John Padgett]

Yes. Scales does seem to be the way to go. I knew I should ask you all first. Thanks a lot. I was afraid that the turned handle would be too bulky feeling but this method will take care of that.

Thanks again.

John.

[Robert Loss]

I was afraid that the turned handle would be too bulky feeling but this method will take care of that.

This shape works very well for a turned marking knife handle. I think it's easily as comfortable as any scaled handle I have tried
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=89568&d=1212054794

An oval turned handle in something like a fruit wood would complement the japanese blade - I might have to have a go at that some time.

A far as inserting the handle goes, I made a number of small chisels 1/8, 3/32 and 5/64 from some M2 tool steel. and using a combination of drilling and these chisels to make slots for all sorts of handled.

[Tom Vanzant]

Roy,
That wood sure looks like Ipe, also refered to as Brazilian walnut. If the sawdust has a slight greenish tone, its Ipe.
Tom