How to Make a Wooden Knife Handle

Knife collectors often look for pieces that have interesting handles. Sometimes when they admire a knife, but do not like the handle, they will simply change it out. The more hardcore collectors go as far as to create a handle themselves, and sometimes the knife as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two wooden blocks Pencil Knife Chisel Wood carving knife Rough and smooth file Epoxy glue

1. Trace the tang onto both wooden blocks. The block should be about 1 inch longer than the tang of the knife. The tang is the metal end of the knife that will be embedded into the handle.

2. Chisel out the outline of the tang. It should be 1/2 the depth of the tang. Repeat this on the second block.

3. Spread the epoxy glue on the side of the wooden blocks that have the indentation, and into the indentation. Use a thick coating.

4. Place the tang into the indentation on one block. Press the second block over it. Clamp the blocks together and leave overnight.

5. Remove the clamps. The two blocks should now be snug around the tang. They blocks now need to be shaped into a handle. Use the rough file to remove enough wood that the handle is to the approximate desired handle size. Next use the wood carving knife to make any small carvings or design features in the handle. Smooth the handle with the smooth file.

Tips & Warnings

• Stain the knife handle to add color. Use a wood burning kit to decorate the handle.
• When filing, take off a small amount at a time. You can always take off more later, but will have to start over if you remove too much.

Resources

• How to make a sword