Handle conversion?

[KetchupKing]

Hi all, i was just wondering if it is possible to take a wa handled knife, and convert it to western handle? Is this possible of a thing? Or is it made in such a way that conversion is not possible?

[taz575]

Yes. You can make a handle in the shape of a western handle and attach it to a wa tang knife. Or are you looking for a metal bolster, too? I have done conversions wa to western and western to wa, so I know it can be done. The question is in the details.

If you want the metal tang exposed, there is a way to mimic that, too using a 3 piece handle with the middle piece being metal with a cut out to the tang will go in and then the handle scales attached to that.

[mauichef]

Hi all, i was just wondering if it is possible to take a wa handled knife, and convert it to western handle? Is this possible of a thing? Or is it made in such a way that conversion is not possible?

I think someone wants a Western HD Petty really badly

[KetchupKing]

Hi all, i was just wondering if it is possible to take a wa handled knife, and convert it to western handle? Is this possible of a thing? Or is it made in such a way that conversion is not possible?

I think someone wants a Western HD Petty really badly

Hahhahaha, saw classifieds hm? Yes, i love wa handled knoves dont get me wrong, but for smaller knives i can’t deny the slimness of those western handles and how it feels in hand. However, if done a lot smaller (circumference), i have found it hasnt been so bad(like my shibata ko-bunka. But yea, if at all possible to but a 150mm wa petty and just convert it into western pakka handle?

[Kalaeb]

Absolutely possible. Just cannot be fill tang. Just shape the handle like a western handle. Don Nguyen, Dave Martell, Michael Rader etc...

[KetchupKing]

Absolutely possible. Just cannot be fill tang. Just shape the handle like a western handle. Don Nguyen, Dave Martell, Michael Rader etc...

What are the names at the end referring to. Sorry if sounds trivial.

[mauichef]

Absolutely possible. Just cannot be fill tang. Just shape the handle like a western handle. Don Nguyen, Dave Martell, Michael Rader etc...

What are the names at the end referring to. Sorry if sounds trivial.

These are some makers who use hidden tang western handles in their designs.
I actually just had a full tang western changed to an integral bolster Wa by our very own Tim Johnson. I'm pretty sure he can reverse the process. Carter Hopkins is another wonderful handle maker who has done this kind of work a lot.
Adam Marr used to make the coolest hidden tang western handles.

[KetchupKing]

Absolutely possible. Just cannot be fill tang. Just shape the handle like a western handle. Don Nguyen, Dave Martell, Michael Rader etc...

What are the names at the end referring to. Sorry if sounds trivial.

These are some makers who use hidden tang western handles in their designs.
I actually just had a full tang western changed to an integral bolster Wa by our very own Tim Johnson. I'm pretty sure he can reverse the process. Carter Hopkins is another wonderful handle maker who has done this kind of work a lot.
Adam Marr used to make the coolest hidden tang western handles.

Heard that. Thank guys, so reaxhing out to one of them on here? Or?

[mauichef]

Carter and Tim can be found here.
https://www.chefknivestogoforums.com/viewforum.php?f=10

[jobone]

When making a wa handle, you can use scales instead of a block. Using a thinner middle piece, scales and some modifications to the shape, you can get close to what you want.

I think Carter Hopkins would be a good contact