More mahogany...

DaveK · **on:** January 02, 2009, 12:29:55 AM

Here's my latest attempt at making my own scales, this time using a Vic Camper acquired for the purpose with no modifications.

Instead of varnishing, this time I've just used a bit of teak oil to bring out the grain and colour a bit. I've also gone for the "less is more" approach and not used any logos this time around. I'm not sure how hard-wearing this finish will turn out to be, but there's one way to find out for sure

These are a bit better than the last ones, and they took a lot less time to complete, but there's still room for improvement

Benner · **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2009, 12:31:01 AM

Lovely work again Dave.

665ae · **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2009, 12:55:25 AM

Looks good!

Can you do one in some retro 70's wood paneling?

Neil · **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:05:16 AM

Quote from: 665ae on January 02, 2009, 12:55:25 AM

Looks good!

Can you do one in some retro 70's wood paneling?

Or plywood

Actually I've considered that

Looks good to me Dave

though on a selfish note I'd have liked you to varnish it just so you could let us know how well it held up with use. Perhaps on the next one?

Neil

DaveK · **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:11:11 AM

Lol. I suppose I could try

I've decided in the last few minutes that plain isn't great. It needs a logo. What I really need is a simple '+' logo, so I can carve the scale a bit so it will sit flush. Need to think about that one.

NKB - The Plasti-kote lacquer I used on my Dad's knife seemed pretty durable, and in fact I used it on the previous Carbon Fibre scales I did, and they are fine after a bit of use and pocket carry. I'm still experimenting though.

There's something rather nice about the natural feel of the teak oil though, and of course it can be touched up easily, so I'll be keeping this one like this I think!

Neil · **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:18:36 AM

If you go for a plain cross inlay you could probably snip one from some very thin sheet metal. Probably not the easiest of tasks to do neatly, though significantly simpler than trying to knock out a shield.

I've got a little tin and brass that'd be suitable if you want to have a play.

Neil

DaveK · **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:24:21 AM

Ooh brass, how cool would that look on wood?

Those were the lines I was thinking along. I can extract the "shield" logos from the celidor scales as you were telling me how to, but I doubt I could carve the wood that intricately, being s**t at woodwork

On the last one, I glued the shield, and multiple coats of lacquer made a nice even finish, but far from perfect really.

A simple cross however, I reckon I could do....

Gareth · **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:25:22 AM

Looks great. I want to try something similar but I don't have the workshop for it at the moment. That said a couple of hours in my dads garage would do the job.

Anybody tried the scales from these guys?

http://www.strassburgerweb.com/victorinox/customhandles/#

Feels a bit like cheating to me but would certainly make the job easier.

Neil · **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:28:39 AM

I think vaswiss over on the SOSAK forum tried to order some from them but had difficulties and eventually gave up.

Definitely cheating anyway

Neil

Neil · **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:31:32 AM

Quote from: DaveK on January 02, 2009, 01:24:21 AM

Ooh brass, how cool would that look on wood?

Those were the lines I was thinking along. I can extract the "shield" logos from the celidor scales as you were telling me how to, but I doubt I could carve the wood that intricately, being s**t at woodwork On the last one, I glued the shield, and multiple coats of lacquer made a nice even finish, but far from perfect really.

A simple cross however, I reckon I could do....

Yeah, unless you were an expert at scrimshaw in a previous life I think cutting in one of the Vic. shields might be a tad impossible. I'll send some brass over

Neil

DaveK · **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:33:33 AM

Quote from: Gareth UK on January 02, 2009, 01:25:22 AM

Looks great. I want to try something similar but I don't have the workshop for it at the moment. That said a couple of hours in my dads garage would do the job.

Anybody tried the scales from these guys?

http://www.strassburgerweb.com/victorinox/customhandles/#

Feels a bit like cheating to me but would certainly make the job easier.

I notice those guys have carved the holes for the toothpick and tweezers in theirs. I was deliberating over this earlier, and as I have a shortage of wood and an order book at the moment, I decided to leave it for now. I'll probably go and find a bunch of pine fro somewhere and experiment with all these ideas.

I think the enamel logos look a bit tacky tbh, but the hot-stamp is nice!

Neil - you da man