Re-scale a TF western handle

[tostadas]

Curious if anyone has photos of what a western TF tang/bolster looks like with the scales removed.

I'm considering re-scaling one of my TFs as a future project. Just from visual inspection, in general the handle looks pretty uneven. Also, everything I've read about this work should steer me away, but I'm still curious. I've seen some nice finished products of rehandled TFs, but the question is what work is needed to get to that point?

 

[Barmoley]

Many use g10 liners between the scales and tang since the tangs are usually pretty rough. This makes it easier, without the need to make the tang super flat.

 

[hmh]

Many use g10 liners between the scales and tang since the tangs are usually pretty rough. This makes it easier, without the need to make the tang super flat.

where did you get this one done? looks great

 

[tostadas]

Many use g10 liners between the scales and tang since the tangs are usually pretty rough. This makes it easier, without the need to make the tang super flat.

View attachment 147375 View attachment 147376

Normally I see the liner get glued to the scale before glue. Is this liner instead glued to the tang, and then the liner is sanded?

 

[toddnmd]

I had my western Denka rehandled—agree that liners are the way to go.

 

[Barmoley]

Nicholas Fitzgerald common_trade on Instagram made mine. Highly recommend his work, especially for western handles.

 

[tostadas]

I had my western Denka rehandled—agree that liners are the way to go.

Any idea the liner material?

 

[McMan]

I had one rehandled by Dave 5+ years ago. It's in hiw re-handle thread (and he may have even posted another thread). Long story short, he had to convert to hidden tang because the TF tang was jacked--multiple low spots filled with black epoxy. I'll see if I can dig up the thread.

Edit:
It's post #559:

Gallery - Re-Handles

The gloss finish you're getting these days is unbelievable! Thanks Dave! The pictures look OK but trust me that in person the handles look so much better and the feel is smooth as silk. It's been awhile since I've been this happy with the results I'm getting so having you comment really makes...

www.kitchenknifeforums.com

 

[McMan]

And here's the thread that shows the TF tang:

Poor tang & bolster fit and what this means when re-handling a knife....

I often get in knives to be rehandled that are in poor condition from the maker. Certain brands are pretty much guaranteed to have some particular problems associated. Without the handle maker addressing these issues then all the customer can expect is a prettier handle with the same fit 'n...

www.kitchenknifeforums.com

 

[toddnmd]

Any idea the liner material?

From the rehandler: “The liners help transition some of the Denka roughness. What I like is to use thin black g10 liner epoxy.”
He mentioned needing to remove a gnarly burr on the handle at some point.
Here are a couple pics, too. Denka on right in top pic.

 

[new2brew]

I too have a TF western handle that I would like to “rehandle”, not rescale. If I went from western to wa would the balance of the knife be thrown off too much? Could / should I use a heavier wood to counter this? Is this a possibility? Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[nakiriknaifuwaifu]

I too have a TF western handle that I would like to “rehandle”, not rescale. If I went from western to wa would the balance of the knife be thrown off too much? Could / should I use a heavier wood to counter this? Is this a possibility? Any comments would be appreciated.

do you want to sell it to me and just buy a wa instead

Usually TF wa is more forward balanced than yo. This is because of the full tang (metal all the way through the handle). Removing a good portion of that steel in a wa conversion would tip the knife forward.

If you prefer the balance of a yo but the shape of a wa then yes you could choose a heavier wood/longer handle/install further back.

Also IME the tangs of TF wa is thicker than the tangs of TF yo

 

[new2brew]

I’m thinking your joking about selling you the western, but yes I would. I mistakenly chose the western by default as I went back and forth on their website thinking my original choice held, but reverted back to western default. They would have taken it back but….shipping is on me. So if your not joking and it’s amicable sure!

 

[Hz_zzzzzz]

I’m thinking your joking about selling you the western, but yes I would. I mistakenly chose the western by default as I went back and forth on their website thinking my original choice held, but reverted back to western default. They would have taken it back but….shipping is on me. So if your not joking and it’s amicable sure!

Is that a 240 denka? I have a WTB thread for a 240 western denka just so you know.

 

[justaute]

I see the sharks are circling. LOL

 

[new2brew]

No sorry, its a 210

 

[Boynutman]

Did anyone give this a try in the mean time?
I am about to give it a shot on my TF Mab 210. I feel the handle is too narrow. Bought some stabilized walnut that I plan to install with brass pins.

I am just a bit concerned about unknown unkowns that may appear from under the scales. Not a pro and it doesn't have to achieve Dave's standards but I would still like it to look pretty good.

Thanks for any input!

 

[tostadas]

Did anyone give this a try in the mean time?
I am about to give it a shot on my TF Mab 210. I feel the handle is too narrow. Bought some stabilized walnut that I plan to install with brass pins.

I am just a bit concerned about unknown unkowns that may appear from under the scales. Not a pro and it doesn't have to achieve Dave's standards but I would still like it to look pretty good.

Thanks for any input!

I ended up ripping off the scales, but haven't gotten around to installing new ones yet. There was minimal epoxy to contend with. Mainly just 2 pakka scales held on with compression pins. Comes off fairly easily with some prying. The dremel wasn't necessary but helped a little.

My tang is also tapered, just fyi

Here's some pics

Show your newest knife buy

New member of the anryu family, double bevel honesuki from ikeda

www.kitchenknifeforums.com

 

[Boynutman]

Thanks! Helpful picture there. More or less as I expected.

 

[Boynutman]

So yesterday as part of the rescaling project I started out with reshaping/tapering the tang (or is it bolster?) with the factory handle still in place. I figured this would give some guidance when shaping new scales.
Took inspiration from pics in this thread and pics of beautiful Shigefusa western handles and convinced myself that the factory tang shape had to go.

The tang is really soft stainless that can easily be reshaped with a file. Clamped it to a cutting board on the kitchen countertop.

Really happy with the result, tang is now tapered and has wider flats on the sides which makes it much more comfortable.

Some before and after pics.
Didn't go all the way because I want to save some steel for later.

 

[Boynutman]

Some pictures halfway the process.

 

[Boynutman]

So now I knocked of the original scales, using an old screwdriver as a chisel and a light hammer to carefully chip away. Took 5 minutes.
What is underneath was pretty decent and flat. And it has the stainless cladding so no risk for rust underneath the scale.

 

[Boynutman]

I made a dummy handle in soft pine wood to see if I could actually make what I had in mind, something more sculpted. I cut it in 2 halves and installed it as a mock-up just to find out whether I like the shape (which I do!).
Next step will be making real scales with stabilized walnut.

 

[tostadas]

Finally convinced myself to spend some time on this project Ive been putting off for so long. Work in progress of rescaling with Koa and hidden brass pins. My first time attempting a western handle

 

[zizirex]

hidden brass pin FTW

 

[tostadas]

To close the loop on this thread, here's the final handle after finish sanding and oil/wax that I also posted previously in the 'sticks' thread.

 

[Boynutman]

To close the loop on this thread, here's the final handle after finish sanding and oil/wax that I also posted previously in the 'sticks' thread.

She's a keeper then?

 

[tostadas]

She's a keeper then?

That's the plan.