Over the last year I have subtracted and added to my esee collection. Got rid of the 4s,and bought an esee 6HM. Ended up buying a 3rd Izula,just received a Junglas today and have a Candiru on order. The Junglas handles so far feel like they will hurt my hands. I looked into buying TKC handles ,but unsure. I wanted to get some orange G10 slabs to add under factory handles,but getting some the right size is looking difficult. I can't use the board-type factory handles. Should I just try to build some handles from scratch or buy the boutique handles?
Thats up to you and the hands in question. Might be able to put up a post in the for sale section for used scales and see what comes your way. That way you are not too invested. If you have picky hands then you will need to go custom. Ive modified pretty much all of my esee scales except for my Junglas! Ha ha ha!
Strigidae,thanks for reply. I've found that the pain in my hand from a knife that doesn't fit right just isn't worth it. Would love it if esee handles would fit my knobby little paws. I guess I will just have to buy some wood and work from there. Thanks again.
I have the EXPAT cleaver’s black g10 on my Junglas 2 and the orange g10 (not TKC) on my Junglas and they feel great. Not really sure why but I prefer them over the micarta. I think the smooth radius feels nicer
BD, I considered just buying orange grips from esee,but by the time you add shipping you're over $30 for G10 version of the flat boards. Dug around and located a couple boards I might use for it. They are probably oak,but have nice figure,could be walnut. If I make anything I'll post a pic here..
I got mine from trade here on the board from a very awesome member. I do lots of trades here. Just post your request and then see what happens
BD, that's a good idea,I'll make an inquiry. Started working on wooden grips,still in early shaping right now. Now have ordered a Laser Strike w/ TKC handles,which will be my last knife for a while.
Thought I should update the thread with most recent pic of walnut handles I am working on. They are not perfect,but I am am not a professional at this.
Thank you Strigidae, I put the initial coat of bc on them last night,today I'll probably scrub it off with #0000 steel wool. Then at least two more coats on it.
Well I have a finished pic,they turned out okay,my photography skills don't do them credit. I think next I might work on the factory handles change the raduses on the edges and make some very slight contouring. Will have to wait until tomorrow though.
You know you can work the micarta material the same way you do the wood and the micarta will likely last longer. I like wood too but for knife handles it is really high maintenance. Unless it is on an Old Hickory butcher knife.)))
Mike, that will probably be my next project. The difficulty is that for making the contours it would be better to have thicker material than the micarta scales. Nearly finished kydex sheath for Junglas today,should have it done tomorrow. Eta on my Laser Strike is next Monday..
Sharing pic of the sheath I made for the Junglas. I wanted to make hanger(s) today for it,but not feeling well.
Got around to making a hanger for the sheath. I just need to find some rope so I can pick it up and drape it bandoleer fashion.