/ Register

Thin traditional folder scales

Discussion in 'Shop Talk - BladeSmith Questions and Answers' started by Silverbullet951, Jan 12, 2021.

  • Paid Subscribers don't see ads!
  1. Jan 12, 2021 #1
    Silverbullet951

    Silverbullet951

    94
    May 16, 2009
    Hello,
    I'm remodeling several small traditional slipjoints, similar to smaller senator patterns. They appear to have celluloid scales at about 1/16" thick and I was thinking about replacing these with thin bone. I was wondering what is the safe minimum thickness limit for bone or natural scales. Is 1/16" too thin and would they crack at the pins? What other natural materials would look right on a knife like that? Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2021
  2. Jan 12, 2021 #2
    Bill DeShivs

    Bill DeShivs KnifeMaker / Craftsman / Service Provider Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider

    10,999
    Jun 6, 2000
    Celluloid.
    Bone will be fine, if you do your part properly.
     
    SBuzek likes this.
  3. Jan 12, 2021 #3
    Silverbullet951

    Silverbullet951

    94
    May 16, 2009
    Ha, that was a nice typo. Thank you, I’ll try bone and see how it holds. The celluloid pearl is gorgeous but I just don’t trust any of them now that they’re starting to shrink.
     
  4. Jan 12, 2021 #4
    Alex Topfer

    Alex Topfer

    192
    May 1, 2019
    I have an old straight razor (1950's?) here waiting for me to restore with battered bone scales. The scales are ~2mm thick, so well under 1/8".
    All the damage is at the ends, and the pin holes look fine. From this i would guess cracking/chipping the ends of the scales is the big risk
     
  5. Jan 13, 2021 #5
    SBuzek

    SBuzek KnifeMaker Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider

    3,352
    Dec 7, 2006
    On some slipjoints I will thin bone to
    .060
    I have one on my pocket that the bone is only .040 where it meets the bolsters.
     
  6. Jan 13, 2021 #6
    AVigil

    AVigil Adam Vigil knifemaker working the grind Platinum Member

    6,576
    Feb 17, 2009
    Use nickel silver pins will help, or brass.
    Be sure to put a good chamfer in the hole as well.
     

Share This Page