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The Newbies Arena Are you new to knife making? Here is all the help you will need.

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  #1  
Old 09-30-2013, 08:43 PM
claymoore claymoore is offline
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Smile leather knife handle

Hey Gentleman,
I was wondering about using a used weight lifting belt (that is very) hard. Has anybody every used leather for a handle? Of course i would treat it (condition it) for the outdoors. Any pros or cons from your years of making knives and . I'm gonna take a guess and i bet someday thought about or tried it. i do like slim handles and this leather has to be 9 or 10 oz. maybe. Sorry i just realized i'm talking about using it flat NOT stacked, which i love also.
Thanks and have a good week,
Clay

Last edited by claymoore; 09-30-2013 at 08:46 PM.
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Old 09-30-2013, 08:46 PM
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Ray Rogers Ray Rogers is offline
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You mean as a slab handle? Someone did do that a few weeks ago and posted pics here. Try a Search and maybe you can find it. Also, it has been done historically as well.

Obviously, you know about K-Bar military knives, Marbles hunting knives and many others that used stacked leather handles. Done correctly, leather makes a comfortable and reasonably durable handle...


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Old 09-30-2013, 11:11 PM
claymoore claymoore is offline
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Thumbs up

thanks Ray
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Old 09-30-2013, 11:40 PM
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racjarrett88 racjarrett88 is offline
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it was bcrob's nessmuk I believe

Austin


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Old 10-01-2013, 06:24 AM
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Again, most "wearable" leathers are chem tanned and not veg tanned. This usually includes some traces of chromic acid and other corrosive chemicals none of which are compatible with metals...ie - rust and discoloration. Add to that the potential for body salts from sweat and you can figure what will happen with just a bit of moisture.
Sure it can be used, just expect problems down the road.

Note: I did not read this somewhere.


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Old 10-01-2013, 08:45 AM
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Shoe leather is chrome tanned but I'd bet that your weight lighting belt is vegetable tanned. You'll know as soon as you cut into it. If the leather is chrome tanned you'll probably be able to see a band of bluish color in the cut. I'm with Carl on that - you wouldn't want to use it if it is chrome tanned .....


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Old 10-02-2013, 10:07 PM
claymoore claymoore is offline
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Hey Crex, thanks for the info. Do you i still would have problems if i condition the leather? I think i know what you will say. If so i will make a pouch neck sheath out of it . What do you think?
Thanks again all you guys are very helpful.
Clay
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Old 10-03-2013, 05:37 AM
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The lifting belt "used" it will be impregnated with sweat salt, never good against metal. You can try sealing it, but I'd keep an eye on the knife metal parts and never store in the sheath. Most belts I've owned and/or seen were pretty heavy weight leather in the 11/12 oz range. I know it's neat heavy leather, but by the time you put a welt in it it will be pretty bulky and hand stitching will be a buggar. Might wind up a little much for a neck anything. You'll have to judge that for yourself.
Lot of the knife suppliers sell smaller cuts/pieces of 4/5 & 7/8 oz veg tanned reasonable. Might be a lot easier to work with and safer for the knife.


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