Let's Get a Handle on This!

[Kevin Jones]

We have seen some outstanding handles this week here on Blade Forums. Those from Larry Fuegen, Ed Caffrey and Bruce Bump immediately come to mind.
So I though what better time to start a thread to post some of the very special examples.

IMO, a handle can be "special" for many reasons.
A handle can make or break a knife from either a artistic or ergonomics perspective.
A handle can be special because of it's beauty, the way if feels, it's grip or the leverage it offers for intended task. The right handle can take an otherwise average knife and make it something spectacular as a whole.

Engraving, inlay, scrimshaw, carving can allow an artist to create unlimited possibilities in the design of a handle to enhance the knife.

An exceptional wood, stag, ivory or shell alone can make a handle special.

Creative and complex frame handle construction such as Jerry Fisk and Tim Hancock are doing can definitely turn a handle into a beautiful work of art.

Please post any handle you consider special and state the reason if you like.

Any handle on any style knife.

As always thanks for your participation.

Ed Caffrey

Chris Moss

Larry Fuegen

David Darom Photo:

Daniel Winkler

Larry Fuegen

 

[Kohai999]

Two beauties by Russ Andrews:



Don Fogg American Bowie III



Larry Fuegen, great use of materials and talent:



Fluted black pearl by our own Chuck Gedraitis:



Billy Mace Imel, excellent integrals with top notch black pearl:



Dusty Moulton, all work by maker, save handles by G_d:



Warren Osborne Swedish Trailing Point, semi-interframe:



Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Here's a few I like
Joe Szilaski

Wolfgang Lorchner

Josef Rusnak

Bud Weston

 

[RogerP]

Ergonomics are what interest me most about handle design - moreso than elaborate construction methods or lavish embellishment (though I certainly appreciate those as well). It in one of the reasons why I love wood, as it allows for almost endless variations in design.

I have found Dan Farr's handle designs to be superb from an ergonomic standpoint. This competition cutter is a good example:

The stippled areas look great and aid in grip. The recessed lanyard hole is a nice touch and the gold wire inlay adds a bit of brightness:

Jerry's Rojo II and Woojack models are another example of a terrific functional approach to handle design. The dropped handle and flared butt allow you to securely position your hand rearward, adding chopping power.

All of the above have influenced my own approack to handle design.

Some other superb handles, ergonomically speaking:

Roger

 

[betzner]

I'll just post this one image. The handle material is quite rare. it is a dendrite agate. Most such stones are small and have only minor figuring. This one is quite unique and rare, due to size and the quality of figuring spread.

Then, of course, there's the magnificent pommel, solid steel, hot blued with gold, platinum and french grey by Julie Warenski-Erickson.

 

[Jon Brand]

Blue ivory doesn't really get better then this..

Great carved black lip pearl.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I have always found the Loveless handles to be superb, because they are so ergonomic.

 

[Dawkind]

A pair of nicely done handles on Sean McWilliams daggers...

A few John Salley daggers with superb wire-wrapped handels....

Tom Maringer wire-wrapped sub-hilt....

GTC 'Prisma' with fluted black-lip pearl....

Jim Smyth 'High Roller' done up in Abalone....

Bailey Bradshaw and some integral-handle magic...

 

[JatMat]

I like this one by WT Fuller, the MOP scales have fire in them and are 3/16'' thick each. It fills the hand and is a hand full.

 

[Hmathews]

A carved stag handle by Charlie Mathews (First Twin) at Twin Blades.

 

[enoreeriver]

Bennica Syracuse:

Shell
Red Coral
Gold

 

[SharpByCoop]

Any D'Holder knife is filled with rich materials and hand-fitting swells.

Jay Hendrickson's wire inlays will always be in style:

Dietmar Kressler makes the most out of the synthetic grain:

Lastly, for over-the-top work, Jack Levin always makes you wonder...

Coop

 

[Kevin Jones]

Coop, the Jack Levin folder above must be one of the most elaborate handles.

 

[Lorien]

YOW WOW!!!
Great thread Kevin

 

[Kevin Jones]

Try saying that fast three times.

Thanks Lorien

 

[Kyle Royer]

Here is a picture of some of the nicest ivory I've ever used on a handle.

 

[Patrick M.]

What about wood carving ? The knifemaker is Hidetoshi Nakayama from Japan.

Or steel integral handle from Richard Hehn :

 

[David Schott]

A few of mine that are my favorites due to the materials and how they felt in the hand:

 

[Lorien]

I'm like Roger in that what I look for in handle design is ergonomic and use specific considerations. David, I like that handle very much! You make some pretty nice looking knives m'man:thumbup:

This is a knife or two short of my entire , (relatively humble) collection of custom knives. Lots of neat handles!

 

[Kevin Jones]

A few of mine that are my favorites due to the materials and how they felt in the hand:

Wow, David.
As I was trying to articulate, in my opening post, some handles offer beauty; some ergonomics and the truly special offers both.

That handle makes me want to grab it.

Here's a couple more examples which IMO offer both: