MAKING COMPOSITE KNIFE HANDLES / SCALES IN THE GARAGE - ELEMENTALMAKER

[@chrishayes5755]

you made some of the nicest scales out of any tutorial I watched.. well done!!

[@ElementalMaker]

Probably just brits who can't say aluminum correctly 😁😁

[@watchtheskies]

I have seen people using a vacuum chamber to remove air bubbles when molding with resin, seemed to work really well

[@ElementalMaker]

watchtheskies that it absolutely does! I was just too lazy to bring out my vacuum chamber and pump, and I've used the vibration method in the past with great results. It's not as good as vacuum for sure, but it works for most purposes. Thanks for the comment!

[@watchtheskies]

Apparently you can use a pressure chamber too, it compresses the bubbles until they are so small that you can't see them, obviously you need leave it in there until the resin sets

[@ElementalMaker]

watchtheskies the model makers at my last job used massive pressure pots to do castings. It was pretty awesome to see.

[@jgpthekid]

What do you use to shape them to the knife?

[@ElementalMaker]

Bandsaw for rough fit, then belt sander

[@Afisch00]

What kind of cutter is that? Also was that on a mini mill?

[@ElementalMaker]

Yes that's a 2" face mill on a G0704 milling machine

[@billclancy4913]

I started with Erin's file jig and made 3 knives before getting a 2x72. It's a good test to see if you really want to make knives.

[@rayurena3789]

Aluminum honeycomb core is what we use in aerospace parts! I build and repair that stuff everyday!

[@ElementalMaker]

Very cool! What kind of stuff are you building/repairing?

[@vladislavgorbunov3832]

How hard is it for bending???

[@mughalcutleryshop]

Where to get that Honey Comb Metal

[@ElementalMaker]

I got it on ebay

[@Gremlin818]

Hi just wondering how long u normally let it sit to harden for

[@archangel20031]

Solar 41, got it, but what was the other resin called.

[@ElementalMaker]

It's Silmar 41. The curative comes with it. The other stuff I've used is just clear casting resin off Amazon

[@MrTrip666]

Can you show us the knife you did using these scales?

[@joshuatichota5046]

Would you be willing to do one in a turquoise color? I use antlers when I make knife handles and would love to have a scale that is turquoise colored so that when I put everything together I can have a nice turquoise colored ring next to the antler on the handle.

[@Subway1427]

How does the cost per set compare with buying a set Vs making your own. Seems like you need to spend quite a bit to set yourself up, especially if you only make a few at a time. Still worth it?

[@ElementalMaker]

G Macka they are quite inexpensive to make given you already have the tools handy. Resin, aluminum honeycomb, and pigment are very reasonable. Probably only a few dollars worth of materials plus your time.

[@gmacka6333]

ElementalMaker that's awesome. I will have to look into it myself. I really appreciate your replies. Oh, and the honeycomb question I had, I meant to ask, would they still be strong enough if the honeycomb went the full length and width of the scale.. do you think it would compromise the strength and make them brittle

[@chukmil9824]

IMHOP this not fast or cheap its about do you want to create something from you? I have never sold any thing I have made...yet ...but my work is part of me

[@scarakus]

That aluminum hex looks 3D, that's frickin cool.

[@ElementalMaker]

Thanks 👍

[@TeddyBear651946]

Would regular bar top resin work to make knife scales?

[@ElementalMaker]

Jack Moler as long as it is made for thick pours it will be okay. I tried using fiberglass epoxy resin in the past and it was too exothermic when it cured, and started smoking and caused tons of bubbles. As long as the epoxy is for thick coatings though, I think you will be okay to use it. Experimenting is the name of the game!

[@jonfox1919]

Very cool, I've played around with micarta to pretty good effect but those composites definitely tip the scales. I'm gonna have to up my game from £4 Big Boy fibreglass repair kits and man up with some better materials. Great tutorial, great inspiration. Thanks.

[@franglish9265]

Would these be the equivalent of micarta?

[@ElementalMaker]

Micarta is layers of fabric usually impregnated in resin, so I think micarta might be a bit stronger, but this is similar, and likely more resistant to the elements

[@franglish9265]

@@ElementalMaker Ok. I was considering something like this for making lock pick handles.(when I can set aside the time)

[@franglish9265]

@@ElementalMaker so, would there be anything stronger than the fabric impregnated resin? I ask because as your method also produces a composite material. I assume you know more about what materials could be used to make it both tactile and resistant to wear. For lock picking, being able to feel vibrations up the pick is crucial. So, for what I plan to do, It will be for a full tang pick.

[@ElementalMaker]

@@franglish9265 throwing in some fiberglass strands or matting would add a ton of strength, but also look kind of crappy. I epoxy the scales to the tang of the knife, so it gains alot of toughness in that way and I find it to be plenty strong as is.

[@franglish9265]

@@ElementalMaker ok. The materials I would be using would be about 15 mils to 20 mils in thickness. 301 Stainless Steel if I can buy feeler gauge stock at that thickness and grade of steel.

[@ronwalsh]

I've got a knife I am working on, and these would be just perfect. Planning on selling any like this?

[@MrHaleyj]

Badass video man

[@stephendyke6382]

I saw a video here on KZbin where a dude made micarta using scotchbrite. The honeycomb looked cool as well. I'm wondering what it's intended purpose is.

[@ElementalMaker]

It's really just for looks. I've never seen scotchbrite micarta, I'll definitely have to check that out!

[@turkeycreekknives133]

Saw the video with scotch brute check it out looks great

[@jamesfaucett4827]

Beautiful scales

[@ElementalMaker]

Thank you!

[@scottcates]

nice results

[@Braindoner101]

I think I know the company you’re talking about. I was thinking those were their scales. That’s awesome.

[@CurtisDoesStuffOnline]

Dude, brilliant way to get the bubbles out. I was thinking "does he have a vacuum chamber or something?"

[@ElementalMaker]

Curtis lol thank you! It's not the best method out there, but it certainly works

[@justanotherfreakinchannel9069]

I was wondering, could you mix the pigment into either just the catalyst or the resin then run that through a vac chamber really quick? I'm thinking that would not only remove air bubbles from the mixing of the pigment, but also would make it that much easier to tell when the catalyst is fully mixed with the resin...

[@royalsquishy7058]

A vacuum pot would turn it into foam , a pressure pot is the way to go

[@totherarf]

Time to mill a groove in your endplate so it does not slip? I have also seen a flame used to op bubbles .... but different strokes makes it interesting!

[@ElementalMaker]

Dave W I think your right on that one! Since I was using polyester resin flame can't be used as it'll catch on fire pretty aggressively

[@johnrisher3007]

I've done fiber glass for many many years and I've never seen mekp go bad. It's the same thing that makes the fiber glass resin get hard.

[@ElementalMaker]

Agreed, they always list a very short shelf life on it, but I have some very old bottles that still kick resin no problem

[@delareynienicolas9467]

Great job !👍

[@ElementalMaker]

Thanks! 👍

[@mariozeledon6253]

awesome video!

[@williambuck3999]

How much

[@tbdwoods]

Great idea that gorgeous...i wish i had a bee keeper friend to make a knife for

[@ElementalMaker]

Pretty much anyone with testosterone will enjoy such a knife! Doesn't have to be a beekeeper. Glad you liked the idea, thanks for dropping a comment!

[@douglasthompson2740]

Try using a vibrating pad sander. Just as effective but a bit gentler. Always a learning experience on your channel. Take care. Doug

[@ElementalMaker]

Doug that's a great idea! I have three of them and never thought to use them for that.

[@williambuck3999]

Do you sale it

[@ElementalMaker]

William Buck I've thought about selling it but haven't done so yet

[@hoold01]

Aluminium.....two nations separated by a common language.

[@ChaosPootato]

Really beautiful stuff

[@ElementalMaker]

ChaosPotato isn't it beautiful!? I love the look of it. Thanks for the comment!

[@illumiNOTme326]

Man this video is giving me serious Deja Vu. I know you just posted it but that honeycomb aluminum and cutting it for the handle just seems so familiar. Have you made any other videos with that?

[@ElementalMaker]

Andy sinishtaj i think this was the first time I've used it in a video that I can think of

[@jalfmeister]

Sir to assist you in mixing and not creating air bubbles. use a variable hand drill with a pencil (unsharpened with 6 or 8 flat sides). Mount pencil in chuck and insert into your epoxy then energize very slowly and mix till blended completely. this is a procedure used when prepping for circuit board repair. if not a lot of epoxy use a regular drill bit backwards.

[@vladislavgorbunov3832]

Maybe to try with some flours like a 🌹 or something else....!!!

[@Subway1427]

That honeycomb effect would look awesome if it were all the way through. looks good, nice job

[@ElementalMaker]

G Macka the honeycomb does go thru both sides, I just didn't polish the one side so it's not as visible.

[@gmacka6333]

ElementalMaker, What I should have said was, if the honeycomb effect was present throughout the entire piece. Full length and width of the finished grip. I think that would look insanely good. Would it still have the desired strength though, and not end up too brittle?

[@Blakehx]

Thanks for the great video, I just subscribed! Will you pin the link to that knife bevel grinding jig video? Thanks

[@chocolatecake4200]

This was great, thank you for sharing. I think I will try something like this for firearm grips like you mentioned some day.

[@Treylopez1997]

Check out Alec Steele on KZbin he is a blacksmith that makes stuff out of Damascus steel it's really cool

[@ElementalMaker]

Trey Lopez I love his stuff! He does incredible work!

[@hamm6035]

Why couldn't you insert the blade tang into the mold in the middle and have pins and all installed, pour the epoxy and ta-da? Just a thought.

[@ElementalMaker]

I'm sure it's been done! Very good idea

[@nenben8759]

Mekp Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is a high explosive AND a resin catalyst? Wow really some neat stuff I knew it was an explosive but Huh

[@chukmil9824]

is just MEK not the same stuff?

[@nenben8759]

@@chukmil9824 not quite, mek is methyl ethyl ketone, and while its flammible, its not explosive like methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. Mekp is made by oxidizing mek Organic peroxides tend to be kinda explodey

[@jacknemo8021]

vacuum chamber....no more bubbles.....

[@douglasthompson2740]

That is what is used for concrete countertops. Doug

[@jamesgyorko3850]

Liked and subscribed . Great tutorial. I'm going to try your technique myself, on a knife I'm making.

[@archangel20031]

Steel Bees use Aluminum to make their honeycomb, but the honey taste nasty, kind of like an oily solvent. LOL

[@440a]

Not sure I would use an open flame with the MEKP in the picture??? Just saying!

[@joshuapotter7372]

I'm convinced this is AvE's twin brother!

[@dusanpavlovic2201]

styrene monomer HAHAHAHA WHAT? it's polyester resing where did you get that

[@MrKclo42112]

clean up your work area or someones going to mistake you for AVE

[@ElementalMaker]

In the middle of a move and major renovations man, no time for cleaning! LOL

[@brk932]

naah the *self-healing* cutting mat hasn't been witch trialed yet

[@schoolahardknocks52]

Clean up your language and it would be even better. Excellent video other than the 'gd' ...but...that's why we have youtube. There is something for everyone. Love the vid man.

[@Subway1427]

If that is a dirty shop, mine must look like its been ransacked by a hoard of Vikings

[@tacticalant3841]

This guy totally reminds me of AVE. Same accent, same messy work area, same lack of vocabulary.

[@vulgrimart.2021.]

Cool ✊

[@SaintBigAl]

them scales are freakin sweet!

[@guysomething]

That looks surreal! Very cool!

[@ElementalMaker]

Warren Noe thanks!

[@michaelbattin6717]

@@ElementalMaker Thanks for taking time to help us learn the process. The negative comments make me laugh, nothing better to do in their perfect life.?

[@ElementalMaker]

@@michaelbattin6717 hey Michael thanks for the kind words! Glad your enjoying the videos 👍 if you ever have any questions on the process feel free to ask.

[@michaelbattin6717]

@@ElementalMaker I just finished my first knife so I am full of questions :-) I'll hold back for now and keep watching videos. Thanks again "class act"

[@ElementalMaker]

@@michaelbattin6717 feel free to ask away! I love helping out other hobbyists whenever I can. Also if your into knives, check out Aaron Gough, he has a KZbin channel, and some of his early videos on how to make knives are the greatest knifemaking info on the internet in my opinion.

[@rayurena3789]

Band saw is the best way to cut it. High speed

[@samcolton5519]

Just for fun mix the catalyst with brown paint pigment powder.

[@summittaedae2323]

Great video just subscribed from Scotland. I’d love a nice buck skinner with that honeycomb scale. Great finish 👍🏼

[@ElementalMaker]

Thanks for your sub Stephan! So cool to know I have viewers in Scotland! Home of my favorite drink! Hope to visit there some day soon and tour some castles, and of course hit all the distilleries I can!

[@summittaedae2323]

ElementalMaker whisky is my water 🤣. Not that whiskey. Scottish Malts don’t have an e. You’ll love Scotland. We’re a tiny nation rammed with history and you can really see a lot of it in two weeks if you get a camper van. Slàinte mhath 🥃

[@ElementalMaker]

Whats your Whisky of choice? In the past week I've been drinking Dewars (meh), Glenfiddich, Laphroaig, and Abrelour. Absolutely in love with the stuff. I can't wait to visit!

[@summittaedae2323]

ElementalMaker Jura duirachs is amazing but you can’t go wrong with any tipple you mentioned. I’m a member of the scotch malt whisky society in Edinburgh. It’s malt heaven 😂. You should visit there vaults if you get to Edinburgh. And the best distilleries are in Isla. The whisky you mention are all similar in taste as being oaky cask light peaty and smoked. Maybe you should do a review on your malts video you may get hundreds of hits. But the only hit that counts is when your blootered and hit the floor 🤣 slàinte mhath 🥃

[@ElementalMaker]

I'm going to have to try the Jura! Hopefully I can get some around here. I live in a state with draconian alcohol laws, so were super limited with what they actually sell, and you can only buy spirits from a "state store". Luckily though, I'm only a couple hours drive from Delaware, and they sell everything there! Tax free too! I might have to hit you up when I visit Edinburgh to experience the Malt Whisky Society. Sounds like heaven!

[@poodlenz]

Gorgeous apart from the crappy aluminium stuff

[@scottmasson3336]

Camellia oil is yours friend versus rust..

[@jakejager]

In the US we spell it aluminum but in Europe they actually sell aluminium...not sure why the inconsistency but that is why Europe and Australia say aluminium... probably because we Americans of these United States have to prove how special we are, even in our most basic of language ;)

[@sirtblairjr]

Hey guy, nice work. But, have you tried glow in the dark mix.. check it out. It's nice to do.? See ya later..

[@ElementalMaker]

I haven't done any glow-in-the-dark pigments yet. Maybe that'll be my next try!

[@jmar1371]

I would suggest a vibrating table. Some plywood, a few springs, a small motor w/ an offset weight... Add a rubber mat, and the vac bell will sit right on top. Useful in casting other composites, too. 8^)

[@ElementalMaker]

Solid suggestion! I actually have a vacuum chamber for proper degassing, but used the drill/offset weight purely out of laziness not wanting to set up the whole vacuum system.

[@pistolpeds]

Make them a bit wider to get 2 scales from one casting. So much waste cut and tossed for each scale.

[@danielkmit4145]

This guy is the American version of ave but playing with much cooler shit

[@skoitch]

Those gloves are insufficient for the MEKP, you need silvershield.

[@ElementalMaker]

The exposure is so minimal that 7mil nitrile gloves will be no issue.

[@symons666]

Aluminium is when you pronounce the swcond I ! lol

[@jacobhosler1982]

Handle blanks with a little potato quality Super russet

[@ericisrael8443]

time for a vacuum pot

[@dumbdog2924]

Well, now I know what I'm ordering with my taxes lol. Some of the cool lookin goo, and some decent steel XD I've just been practicing with some name brand Super Shit Steel from Home Depot.

[@ElementalMaker]

Nice! I higly recommend starting with O1 tool steel, as it is super easy to heat treat and also quite easy to work with. Makes for very sharp blades as well. Only downside is you need to keep the blade oiled or it will rust a bit.

[@jcnme2020]

Great Video Brother ! You Cracked us up ! LMAO

[@DjGlenJon]

the reason the segments pop out as you say is due to the fact your using polyester resin. upgrade to epoxy it wont happen again

[@chukmil9824]

roger that ...polyester is toxic epoxy is the only to go and has many other attributes

[@crume2805]

Could you recommend a brand of epoxy? Or would it all be the same result using it for the scales? I've searched some knife blade forums but all I could find about epoxy was the best epoxies used for attaching the scales to the knife, and that stuff was expensive for small amounts

[@caveman3694]

u are smart human sir congratz :)

[@craigpalmer9196]

check out Peter Brown's channel

[@royalsquishy7058]

You need a pressure pot bro

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Great, very interesting video, those scales turned out fantastic! I really like your videos, thank you for sharing your ideas! I think that gold and black would go together good too. Is it Gough Custom kzbin.info/door/2YzIih9K5363N4n3ERmhMA that you are talking about who built a beveling jig? Those pigments on a car, hmm...I know, there's your next video idea! Do you make those scales to sell? I'd love to have some in black & gold for my Colt .380 auto. How about attaching a couple of those tiny vibrating motors from Amazon to the mold? Would they be sufficient for that purpose?

[@sagrammyfour]

I love fur...

[@rbwood1978ify]

I just bought a similar damascus blank from “damascusblades15” and it’s warped right out of the box…it’s going to be my first attempt at finishing a knife as far as a handle goes. Wish me luck

[@ElementalMaker]

Bummer it's warped, I'd message the seller about that. Best of luck finishing your first blade! It's an addictive hobby

[@tabasdezh]

I fallen asleep... 22 mins???

[@ElementalMaker]

tabasdezh glad I could help with your insomnia!

[@PerspectiveEngineer]

less is more

[@jeffreymigliore1184]

Really into rubbing up those scales with luuube-lol. All kidding aside I thought it was entertaining

[@labinothoxha83]

That's exactly how a vibrator works. Electric motor with off-set weight.

[@ElementalMaker]

There's quite a few different ways, but yeah that's the most common.

[@anelson099]

i really wanted to watch this but i couldn't make past 10 mins

[@ElementalMaker]

Sounds like you got worse ADD than I do 👍

[@beastlyironworks8296]

Should have stuck it out brother, the ending was epic. Besides the mold vibrating apart, it was very easy and super attractive knife scales

[@ElementalMaker]

Thanks Dave 👍

[@clwme1868]

I made it to 15. Thats 15 whole mins of my life I can never get back. blah blah blah. Get a Vac. chamber. They quit doing it like that in 1972.

[@Motoguy94]

Pizza scales! Looks like pizza.