knife and axe handle finish

[richard weaver]

Hi, folks
what i really want to know is how to achieve the finish that you get on gransfors handles and similarly on this handle.

http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Pr...-Right-handed/

its grippy but not really rough, like very small ridges. the only othe place i've seen it is on a rifle hande in the science museum in london...

anyone know how its done, it looks like it might be a machine finish, can you do it on a lathe?

any ideas guys?

[roots]

Hi, I think I get your drift. Like ridges or ripples maybe? If that is what you mean I have done it by holding the handle in question against the round edge of a belt sander and smoothly rolling the handle from side to side. You can then sand it to the level of your choice leaving smooth ripples. It is easier to do than explain , post again if that is not clear enough, good luck.

[robin wood]

The gransfors axe handles and Svante Djarve knife handles you mentioned are made on copy lathes. The work rotates slowly and a cutter spins round which is guided over a pattern to produce the form you want. Lots of wooden stuff is made this way, from axe handles to clogs.

I like this finish and you can get the same effect just by going over the surface taking small scooping cuts with a sharp knife.

[richard weaver]

ah right that makes sense. thanks guys, i'll have a play around and let you know if i stumble on a way of doing it