Frame handle question

[Heikki]

I'm working on my first frame handle knife, and am trying to figure out my order of operations. Should I be hardening the blade prior to working on fitting up all the pieces? Also, is there any reason or benefit to heat treating the frame, guard or spacers? Still trying to figure out how I want to do the assembly, so I don't want to paint myself into a corner.

 

[Chris Railey]

I have done several framed handles as it is my chosen way to do a hidden tang knife. I normally use mild steel of the the same thickness as the blade steel for the frame. I do not see any real reason other than preference to HT the frame or spacers. I HT my knife before I fit my guard and spacers. My reason for doing so is because I taper my tang in both dimensions thickness and width so I try not to thin it out before HT so I minimize warps in the tang.

 

[Alden Cole]

Double guard and framed handle, rear bolsters too

Our own Josh has been doing a great job keeping track of all these WIPs and we all appreciate him more than he knows. Thanks Josh!! Its time I contributed to this library of tutorials so here is a pictorial and some explaination of what I do to make a Gents Bowie guard, spacer, frame, liners...

knifedogs.com

I found this tutorial by Bruce Bump to be really helpful.

 

[Chris Railey]

Double guard and framed handle, rear bolsters too

Our own Josh has been doing a great job keeping track of all these WIPs and we all appreciate him more than he knows. Thanks Josh!! Its time I contributed to this library of tutorials so here is a pictorial and some explaination of what I do to make a Gents Bowie guard, spacer, frame, liners...

knifedogs.com

I found this tutorial by Bruce Bump to be really helpful.

I developed my style from that exact post.