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Morakniv fixed blade re-handle

I got this knife as a gift. I found it to be a very nice outdoor knife at a very affordable price. Even though the handle was functional I wanted something else on it. Also, I wanted to make a handle on a hidden tang knife blade which I had never done before. Here's the story in pics.

Brand new, saber grind carbon steel blade. Knife held in sheath by the front of the handle like a kydex sheath. Not sure what the sheath material is but it is very acceptable. After I'm done the sheath won't be usable for this knife because of my new handle.

After I removed the handle. Prior to removing the handle I had ground the saber grind into a convex grind. It's not even close to a FFG but I like the round shape more than the flat grind. I also put a patina on the blade.

Below is after the handle material is glued to the knife.

Below is when it starts to look like a knife handle.

Finished.

This last picture is the bottom of the handle.

After I was finished I sealed it with some matt finish ceramic spray my wife had.

The handle size is good for large hands or medium hands with gloves. I figured I'd start with it a little larger than average and I could shorten if if I wanted to. It is comfortable to hold.

The handle material was gifted to me from a friend out of his "pile" of scraps. Except for the yellow liner and pin material. I bought that. The bolster is some home made micarta my friend made and the scales are some sort of kitchen counter material he had left over and used for a handle. He told me it seemed to work ok and it's free. Since this was my first try at this type of handle I didn't want to spend much on the material. Understanding this he figured (he was right) anything adequate would do and the cheaper the better. I'm really happy with how it turned out and is now my tool bag knife. I do need to get a cheap sheath though. Does anyone have suggestions on cheap fixed blade sheath sellers? I'd happily pay $5 for one and anything over $10 is too much for this knife for my intended use. Right now I have it sheathed in a custom made pizza box sheath held together with stables. :) I put a SUPER sharp edge on it. I have to say this steel takes and holds an edge very well. I tried to drill a hole in the tang with some bits I have that drill through 1095 steel with no problem. The first small bit I tried barely scratched the steel so I quit. I only would have ruined the bits. I have to say this steel is great IMO. Especially on a $13 knife. :) I feel buying more of these knives and putting a new handle on the blade is a very acceptable project. Some blade blanks of decent steel can cost a lot more than $13. I just cut the rubber handle off. One day I may try cutting my own blades.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on August 12, 2013 at 12:25

Good show, mate! It certainly looks like you did a splendid job! Thanks for chronicling your project with pictures. I love the "custom made pizza box sheath!" That's the one pic that you omitted, and I would pay to see it! lol

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on August 12, 2013 at 14:49

I don't mind if anyone copies my idea. I'm not selfish. :) It's just too pretty to not want one. :)

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on August 12, 2013 at 14:54

At least when I reach into my tool bag I won't pull back a hand with missing fingers. :) If anyone is short on sheath material I can send you some. We eat a lot of pizza. lol

Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on August 12, 2013 at 21:25

I want olives n 'shrooms on my sheath!

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on August 12, 2013 at 22:47

!!! .. Nice Job .. !!!

Permalink Reply by James Cole on August 13, 2013 at 18:13

If you have a Kydex sheath that isn't being used as a home for another knife, you can heat it up and re-purpose it to this knife.

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on August 13, 2013 at 21:20

Good idea but I don't have any kydex sheaths for fixed blades. I have a couple for small folders to carry as a neck knife. Before you laugh I think a neck sheath is the most accessable carry there is. And if I have a folder I don't have to worry about poking myself in the chest when sheathing it. A buddy made them for me and I thought about asking him to make one for this knife. Don't know though. I doubt if I do anything with it with except carry it in my tool bag. Besides, I'm mighty proud of my pizza box sheath. lol

James Cole said:

If you have a Kydex sheath that isn't being used as a home for another knife, you can heat it up and re-purpose it to this knife.

Permalink Reply by James Cole on August 14, 2013 at 7:33

Jack, Of course your sheath is a work of art, however it is going to be subject to wear and possible water damage, so you might think about putting a couple coats of clear varnish on it. That way there will be a little more protection and still let the true beauty of the sheath show through.

Another idea is, the Japanese steel has been housed in wooden sheaths for centuries.

Jim

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on August 14, 2013 at 9:23

You know what James? A wooden sheath sounds like a fun project. I'll have to give it some thought. Do I want it to be belt capable or just to cover the blade like my pizza box work of art. lol Thanks for that compliment BTW. :)

James Cole said:

Jack, Of course your sheath is a work of art, however it is going to be subject to wear and possible water damage, so you might think about putting a couple coats of clear varnish on it. That way there will be a little more protection and still let the true beauty of the sheath show through.

Another idea is, the Japanese steel has been housed in wooden sheaths for centuries.

Jim

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on August 14, 2013 at 9:50

Since I mentioned the neck sheath for a small folder here is an example. It's for a Spyderco Jester. Having a small knife hanging right on your chest is absolutely the best carry method when it comes to knife accessability IMO. Maybe not the best idea for public carry depending on the place. I have caught myself in public after forgetting to take it off so I just put it under my shirt. I first tried a fixed blade with about a 3" blade. To big for my tastes.

I almost always carry a small EDC flashlight. This Fenix LD01 comes with a pocket clip so I attach a keychain knife to it some of the time. I don't carry the combo in a neck sheath but it is an option. As I said, a neck sheath provides the easiest access to either of any carry method I've used. Pocket or belt, I always seem to need to twist, pull shirt up, dig in pocket and all of the other UNBELIEVABLY DIFFICULT things we need to do to get our knives out. lol Do you think I'm lazy??? lol

Jack

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on August 14, 2013 at 10:19

Looks like you have your system, down pat.

Permalink Reply by James Cole on August 14, 2013 at 13:56

Jack, I'm sure you'll figure it out and how about a show and tell when it's complete. By the quality of work you did on that knife handle I know it's going to turn out great.

Jim

Jack Haskins, Jr. said:

You know what James? A wooden sheath sounds like a fun project. I'll have to give it some thought. Do I want it to be belt capable or just to cover the blade like my pizza box work of art. lol Thanks for that compliment BTW. :)

James Cole said:

Jack, Of course your sheath is a work of art, however it is going to be subject to wear and possible water damage, so you might think about putting a couple coats of clear varnish on it. That way there will be a little more protection and still let the true beauty of the sheath show through.

Another idea is, the Japanese steel has been housed in wooden sheaths for centuries.

Jim