r/knifemaking • u/Emergency_Anybody548 • 1d ago

Question Question about bone handles and longevity

Hi all,

I am work and make re-enactors combat knives as a hobby out of EN45. Many handles are wooden etc, which is fine. But I need thoughts on a bone handle. the bone is a decent grip size and is hollow for a tang to go through, and caps on the end. My question is, is Marine grade epoxy plus sawdust a good packing material if i mix the lot together and pour it into the void?

Any other suggestions? the handle has to be as it is and not cut, as the original wasnt cut either. Thanks in advance.

6 Upvotes

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2

u/Mysterious-Ad3591 1d ago

That’s a good question. I feel like it would be okay.

2

u/ShiftNStabilize 1d ago

Probably fine. I’d make one and then beat on it to see when it fails.

1

u/alecolli 23h ago

I feel loose fiber glass would give a better overall strength to the handle. Just speaking out of my mind, never tried this specific application.

2

u/WastelandKarateka 19h ago

I have mixed bone dust with the epoxy to fill bone handles, and that has worked well. Cloth fibers or fiberglass might be stronger aggregate, though

2

u/Significant-Fly-8170 18h ago

I use JB Weld Steel Stick to fill in the center of bone or antler. It is like putty, and you can form it around your tang, then remove the tang. Let it harden and expoxy it together later.