What's The Proper Term For This?

[hoosier122]

What is the proper term for using pieces (usually disc shaped) of leather and stacking them on the tang of a knife to create a handle?

I saw an "el cheapo" knife using this method (pieces of leather were about 1/8" thick), but realized it would be a great way to use smaller pieces/scrap leather.

I could also use pieces of wood, bone, antler, metals (bronze, copper, etc...) mixed amongst the layers.

If anyone knows what the proper term for this is called and where I could see some quality examples, I'd appreciate it.

I'm a newbie in the knife forging world and have just used wood scales for my handles so far, but would like to start using leather.

Thanks from southwest Indiana.

[terrahyd]

HI, Hoosier;;

I have only known it to be called a leather ( k bar ) style handle..

If you are to make your own you may shape it with a sander as you wish..

knife making supplers sites could give you some ideas as they sell all parts that are needed ...Doc..

[hoosier122]

HI, Hoosier;;

I have only known it to be called a leather ( k bar ) style handle..

If you are to make your own you may shape it with a sander as you wish..

knife making supplers sites could give you some ideas as they sell all parts that are needed ...Doc..

I understand how to do it, but am more interested in how leather workers view this method?

Is this considered a lessor type of leather knife handle?

It seems like one could get pretty fancy patterns with different leathers, woods, bones, rock, antlers, metals, etc...

[kiltboy]

I understand how to do it, but am more interested in how leather workers view this method?

Is this considered a lessor type of leather knife handle?

It seems like one could get pretty fancy patterns with different leathers, woods, bones, rock, antlers, metals, etc...

I've heard them simply called a "stacked-leather" handle.

And as for it bieng a lesser type- no way! Finnish knife handles (pukko) are made of tree bark, stacked in the same manner- with different materials for color and contrast, including (but not limited to!) antler, bone, copper, brass, pewter, vulcanized fiber material, leather, etc, etc...

They last a long time, look great, and have great gripping surface. One thing, though- make sure to compress the individual pieces of leather before making it into a stack- or it will not work right. I simply wet the leather, let it sit a little bit (3-5 minutes) then hammer it lightly to compress the fibers. Makes it much tougher and longer-lasting.

Hope that helps!

Robert

Edited February 15, 2010 by kiltboy