Repairing Crack in Handle

[twigflicker]

Hey all,

I don't spend much time in this forum, but thought where better to start that here...

I have a knife my father put slabs on for me 20 years ago... they are walnut burl and one side has developed a crack...  the walnut came from a family friend's farm and was air dried for 10+ years...

I'd rather not replace them as my father passed away almost 5 years ago and everytime I break out the knife it bring back the memory of him standing over me helping me through my very first field dressing...

Thanks for any and all help or suggestions!

Jonathan

Here are some pics...

Rigid Knife
 

Crack from side
 

Crack from top
 

[LONGBOWKID]

Jonathan,

 You can use a two part epoxy to fill the crack, then sand away the excess and refinish. The crack wont dissapear, but it will be structurally sound, if not stronger than before it cracked. You could also use superglue and a syringe to fill the crack as well.

 Good luck.

Kid

[Lin Rhea]

I would take some of the super glue that is thin and fill the gap. Let it run into it and seep in till it runs out on all sides. Let it sit for several hours. Then take a fine emery board ( you may have to make one) and sand the excess hardened glue off.

It appears that the wood may not have a finish on it. If this is true, it will eventually crack again, unless you seal it. After the above procedure, I would put straight linseed oil on it and rub it in good and let it sit for a day or so. This wont change the look very much, if any, and will preserve the handle wood better.  Lin

[twigflicker]

Thanks Brandon and Lin...

I was wondering if the super glue would work...  

Lin I had wondered about that today when I was messing with it... it sure looked like it didn't have any finish and I can't imagine dad not finishing it... or it may have worn off in my pack...

Stupid question... Where do you get Linseed Oil... I know dad used that to do a stock he did one time back in the 60's and I always loved the rugged look that it had...

Jonathan

[tippit]

I use super glue for a finish too.  Once the crack is filled it will leave a dark line.  You might be able to clamp it from both ends to deminish the line.  Thin super glue will help stabilize other cracks that might be ready to split especially if there isn't a finish on the wood now...Doc

[mater]

If your going to sand it anyway, sand it first and save the sanding dust. Then put the dust in the glue before it dries. It will help hide the crack.
  ...Mark

[Lamey]

Lin hit it,  use that real thin superglue, you can get a 2 oz. bottle from Brownells for cheap.  Make sure you clean out the crack with denatured alchohol or something similar first.

[GRAYBEARD]

JONATHAN,
ANY GOOD HARDWARE STORE WILL HAVE BOILED LINSEED  OIL OR SPORTING GOODS STORE SHOULD HAVE IT UNDER THE TRU OIL LABEL. IT MIGHT BE WISE TO OPEN UP THE WOOD A BIT WITH REAL FINE (400 GRIT) SANDPAPER.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT, LIN AND LAMEY HIT IT RIGHT.
GOD'S PEACE, JED

[twigflicker]

Thanks Jed... I figured that was the case, but hadn't taken time to look...

Jonathan