I have a USA made schrade pro hunter model.171UH
that I would like a antler handle put on.It has a
imitation antler on it now.Can anybody give it a try?Don,t know how to send pics,old school here.If you google the model, you can get a pic of it.
TTT anybody?????
This comes up from time to time. My theory on the lack of replies is that most of the guys posting here make knives. From design to completed project, so replacing scales on a knife made by somebody else is not what most here do. Also with good quality antler scales at a premium I save mine for special projects, not that this is not a special project to you. Also most of the guys qualified for this project are busy making knives of their own design. Just my thoughts. There are some guys that modify production knives but none that I know of here.
Here is another idea, why not give it a try yourself. You could get some cheap knives from a pawn shop and practice on them until you feel confident in your abilities for this project. You can get micarta or some wood scale pretty cheap to practice with. If you ask the questions as how do I do this you will probably get some answers.
Wish I could help more.
Chris
To give a little more perspective to what Chris is saying, I just got several pieces of Stag back from the dye place, which cost me well over $100. The Stag costs about $100 each so that adds up. Those are hand picked and chosen for my knives, from which I have a good chance of recouping the cost.
So dont let it bother you that it gets quiet when you ask. Just know that some just cant afford to do it. There might be someone who wants to give it a try and has the material. I wish Schrade would step it up and use the good stuff, but I can easily see why its that way. They are still good knives for the money.
I agree with Chris. I think you would be surprised at how easy this project would be with only a few simple tools. The only power tool you would need would be a drill to drill the tang hole. Any shaping/fitting could be done with a few files, sandpaper, etc. When you get into blade making, it's a different story, and you definitely see a lot of complex tools used by the guys on here to achieve that "perfect" fit, but it can be done by hand if you want. Also, you can find stag on various knife supply websites and auction sites for a good bit cheaper than the $100 plus hand picked stuff that goes on Lin's knives, more in the $25-$50 range. You have to keep in mind that his are Master Smith's knives that sell for a couple grand sometimes and require high quality materials to match the level of craftmanship that goes into them. I think the point that he was trying to make was that alot of guys on here keep a stock of expensive high grade handle material that they wouldn't want to use on a knife that they didn't actually build so don't let those prices discourage you.
I'm not sure how the pommel is attached to this particular knife, but if it is threaded, it would be pretty easy to disassemble/reassemble. I would suggest trying to figure that much out and take the knife apart if possible. Make a new post asking for help building a knife with a picture of the disassembled components. The diasassembled view will help them to see exactly how the knife will be constructed and allow them to give you more detailed advice as to what type of materials you would need (ie. scales vs. 1 piece) and how to go about putting it together. I know from my own experience that a lot of guys on here will be glad to give you some help.
Legal Discalaimer: This is a very addictive hobby! If you do not want a new hobby that will take up a lot of time, do not give this a try! I will not be held responsible for any issues resulting from the following of my advice: Loss of job, loss of sleep, divorce, etc., etc.
Hope this helps
Matt
You are getting some good reasons why this is not
something most would do. I am sure if you take it on and have a problem your questions as to how to would be answered as well. Give it a try
Yes 3feathers, Absolutely go for it. This might be the reason and opportunity to get started. If you decide to, we'll sure help. I want to make sure you do understand that.
let me know if you still need a handle