A growing number of collectors customize their automatic knives by changing scales, bolsters, blades, doing fileworks, ... Wether you're a guru or just a wannabe knife modder, this is the place to discuss it!
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Hi Folks,
It's been a while since I've had the time to work on any knife projects, but I think that I'm going to make the time. I'm starting to get that itch again... I'm thinking that I would like to build something with composite gemstone scales, has anyone worked with this stuff before? How fragile is it? Do I need special tools to work it? are there any special tricks that I need to know? I am moderately experienced and have been pleased with my previous efforts, but don't want to bite off too much! Thanks in advance!
Happiness is a Warm Gun and a Sharp Blade (or Two).
Spring Blade wrote:Hi Folks,
It's been a while since I've had the time to work on any knife projects, but I think that I'm going to make the time. I'm starting to get that itch again... I'm thinking that I would like to build something with composite gemstone scales, has anyone worked with this stuff before? How fragile is it? Do I need special tools to work it? are there any special tricks that I need to know? I am moderately experienced and have been pleased with my previous efforts, but don't want to bite off too much! Thanks in advance!
This stuff is strong but brittle Some is very attractive Back it up with wood or metal when shaping it Don't try to go to fast or use grinding tools that are aggressive. [Bill may have better ideas]
So I can use ordinary drill bits, files, sand paper, and dremel bits to work it? Do you actually glue it to a backing piece to shape it? What would work best to cut a blank scale lengthwise?
Thanks for your time!
Happiness is a Warm Gun and a Sharp Blade (or Two).
I used a core-drill and a milling machine, I "stuck" the composite to a piece of brass [with double sided tape] that was in the milling vise. [lacking this combo, use a sharp drill and go slowly]
I'm thinking that I would like to build something with composite gemstone scales, has anyone worked with this stuff before? How fragile is it? Do I need special tools to work it? are there any special tricks that I need to know? I am moderately experienced and have been pleased with my previous efforts, but don't want to bite off too much! Thanks in advance! 
Some is very attractive 
