After seeing the Youtube video on this I really wanted to try it out myself. So I started with a Two Cherries Gents Saw that’s been laying around collecting dust.
I pulled the handle – and reused it as a file handle. Then cut/trim the plate.
I used a Blackburn Tools handle pattern and pasted it on a 4/4 slab of Marblewood and cut the basic shape on the bandsaw. Lots of work with rasps, files, and sandpaper brought the hand to shape the came the critical cut. The slice for the saw plate – it made me really nervous.
Then of course came fitting of the back into the handle. I have to admit that I really did a rough job getting the slot widened. It work but it’s not pretty. I have a lot to learn yet.
Finally more Scraping and sanding then a coat of Watco Danish oil which went bad (had to bake the handle for about and hour at 180F to get it to kind of dry). Then a lot of rubbing and wiping to clean of the sticky finish. Fortunately between the baking, wiping and wax it turned out ok.
Overall the project turned out well. The saw cuts nicely and feels good in my hand. Blackburn Tools grip guide really worked.
— Bill
P.S. Check out my YouTube Channel