demonwolf444 Posted June 28, 2012 Report Share Posted June 28, 2012 So i found this piece of bone ( lambs? ) in the field and instantly associated the shape with the handle on my opinel, so ive modified my opinel and fitted a bone handle and im pretty happy with it. I drew a line down the center and drilled allong the line with a drill, then filed it straight to make the slot that the knife folds into. I cut each end of bone to the length i wanted and then cutt off the original wooden handle to a small stump which i filed down so it would fit inside the bone cavity and epoxied it in place. I sanded the bone surface down smooth and i realy like the look, feel, and shape of the handle, so thought i'd share it with you. The blade is razor sharp most of the time and i use it to gut skin and joint rabbits, and its a prety good knife for the money, although my own enjoyment if it has increased allot with this handle modification. Ive never worked with bone but my question is, is there a way of keeping it more "white" as it gets a bit dirty sometimes, boiling it? bleaching it? sanding it clean and coating it with something protective ( although i like the natural finish) anyway heres some pics, feel free to upload your modified knifes, hope you like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halight Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 Looks good mate, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant8681 Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 I love that knife! I'm on a mission to make one of my own now, any tips please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demonwolf444 Posted July 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 If i had a decent camera it might look a little better maybee, but in real life the silver and the bone look nice. Tips, dont hack away or cut the original handle untill the new bone handle is finished and ready to be fitted. I had never worked with bone before and it was quite brittle when i was drilling it, but the finished article is solid. If the bone is damp let it dry out allot before you work it or it retains this sort of rotting smell. Make sure the bone isnt too fresh or it will still contain all the bone marrow. Find a decent bone that will be comfortable in your hand, the original handle is about an inch diameter, My bone handle is about an inch wide by half an inch giving it an oval cross section in the center as apposed to the circular original. Wash the bone before you work it, warm soapy water, then dry it out. You will have to grind or file or turn the stub of the original wood grip down small enough to fit into one of the ends of the bone, you have to play around with it a bit to get it to align. Two part epoxy it in place and it will be solid. I have found because the wood on the original handle would swell if it got wet or humid the new handle makes folding the knide in and our far easier and smoother. If the bone is a bit rough and old like mine was, increasing fineness of sand and glass paper will make it as smooth as you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamiedenny Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 That looks fantastic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant8681 Posted July 2, 2012 Report Share Posted July 2, 2012 If i had a decent camera it might look a little better maybee, but in real life the silver and the bone look nice. Tips, dont hack away or cut the original handle untill the new bone handle is finished and ready to be fitted. I had never worked with bone before and it was quite brittle when i was drilling it, but the finished article is solid. If the bone is damp let it dry out allot before you work it or it retains this sort of rotting smell. Make sure the bone isnt too fresh or it will still contain all the bone marrow. Find a decent bone that will be comfortable in your hand, the original handle is about an inch diameter, My bone handle is about an inch wide by half an inch giving it an oval cross section in the center as apposed to the circular original. Wash the bone before you work it, warm soapy water, then dry it out. You will have to grind or file or turn the stub of the original wood grip down small enough to fit into one of the ends of the bone, you have to play around with it a bit to get it to align. Two part epoxy it in place and it will be solid. I have found because the wood on the original handle would swell if it got wet or humid the new handle makes folding the knide in and our far easier and smoother. Thank you, now I just have to find a bone! If the bone is a bit rough and old like mine was, increasing fineness of sand and glass paper will make it as smooth as you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demonwolf444 Posted July 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2012 Thankyou guys, appreciate it, i really love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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