Murray Carter's High End Wa-Handles

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Dave Martell

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Murray shows us how he makes his higher end wa-handles....

[video=youtube;cYvPxYGPY7c]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYvPxYGPY7c&list=UUi1OKw1BM0Ny4nePaXyE7fg& index=5[/video]
 
I like them. They're not as "pure" as Stefan, Mike and the gang, but they have a distinct sporty look. i appreciate that he's confident enough in his work/hold of the market that he isn't afraid to show us what he does. Good on him.
 
From what I understand you sand off the 4 original corners creating 8 new ones as a result.
 
And who says that Murray (or is people) don't watch the forum?...

"Wait, what?, people are spending $200+ to replace the stock handles on my knifes? SOOoooo, I can put my own fancy handle on a "high grade" blade and charge $200-$300 more! Oh yeah! GIGITY GIGITY"

Helicopter pilots aint' no fools!
 
Love Murray's knives but haven't neen a fan of his new custom handles.
 
I like it, It adds another construction tool or technique to doing Wa style handles, also great for using up those narrow offcuts:laugh:
Its a fairly common method to split a block to cut a slot and stick it back together, Mario made that handle recently which was almost like a crossover of traditional Wa and hidden tang, very nice.
 
Wait - I can ask $200+ for a handle :D Can't watch the video right now but look forward to it for tonight.

Stefan
 
I am okay with the handles, but am having a hard time with this blade:

IMG_9417-1.jpg
 
People have been doing laminated handles for a while, wish he wouldn't put these on all of his knives though as I don't like them enough to pay the extra.
Drilling and burning a single block for the handle wouldn't seem to be much more work either....
 
I guess I am really surprised he joins the ferrule and the body with out some form of support. I dont see that union as being particularly strong, but I guess it works....
 
Sorry for a quick OT: Matt, did you get my email? I get error messages when I reply, please let me know.

And now, back to the regular program. As for the gluing of ferrules without extra support: depends on the materials that are getting glued together. Gluing wood, horn or anything that contains resin (lke Acrylic, bakelite, reconstituted metal or stone), that should not be a problem, and once the handle is on the knife, I would not have any concerns at all. These bonds are usually very strong. I have come across two situations where those bonds can break: throwing the handle to the floor (or against a wall if you mess up while fine-tuning the symmetry - ask me how I know...) or breaking off the ferrule when attaching the handle. In both cases the sideways shearing forces are just too much. Very different story if gluing metal to anything, I would not do that without any additional reinforcement.

Probably more than you wanted to know, I am bored while my students are writing their exam on research methods... :)

Stefan
 
Sorry for a quick OT: Matt, did you get my email? I get error messages when I reply, please let me know.

I didn't get one, If you tried via kkf my email does not work. I can shoot you over another one tonight.

I am also surprised he does not use a guide for his angles, that would drive me nuts trying to get it even
 
I appreciated that Carter shared how he makes his octagon handles. I like his knives, and if his custom handles makes people happy then that's great. Personally, I'd take a Stefan or Mike Henry handle.

Here's a couple of new to me Carters with Mike Henry handles.

carter_funayuki_240_6.jpg


carter_funayuki_270_8.jpg
 
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