Navigating the world of knife-making materials can be daunting. The scale, or handle material, is in some ways the easiest choice. Once you've decided on a type of knife, a blade material and manufacturing process, the handle can almost seem like an afterthought.
But materials range widely -- common ones include almost any kind of hardwood (walnut, cherry, teak, etc.) as well as several synthetic materials (rubber, micarta -- an extremely hard plastic common on many pre-fabricated knives). I've even seen knife scales made of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Each has its merits and cons so do your research.
I'll link below to micarta scales on eBay -- for a practical, durable handle with a non-slip grip, you can't go wrong with a handle made of this material, especially if it's grooved or textured.
Find Knife Scales:
Some knife scales for sale on eBay:
| Myrtle knife scales exotic blank wood veneer boxmaking US $.99 0 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 2h 56m Make it yours... |
| Knife Making Scales TURQUOISE Knife scales US $9.49 6 Bids ![]() Auction Ends: 6h 21m Make it yours... |
| FOSSIL KNIFE SCALES 4 9 16 x 1 5 16 to 1 1 4 x 5 32 US $49.99 0 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 7h 3m Make it yours... |
| FOSSIL KNIFE HIDDEN TANG SCALES 4 1 16 LONG US $62.00 9 Bids ![]() Auction Ends: 7h 13m Make it yours... |
| FOSSIL BARK KNIFE SCALES 2 3 4 x 1 1 8 x 7 32 US $44.99 0 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 7h 23m Make it yours... |
| FOSSIL BARK KNIFE SCALES 3 3 4 x 13 16 x 3 16 US $44.99 0 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 7h 34m Make it yours... |
| FOSSIL BARK MATRIX KNIFE TANG SCALES 4 3 8 LONG US $34.99 0 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 7h 34m Make it yours... |
| FROST CUTLERY KNIFE ALLIGATOR MICARTA SCALE LOCKBACK US $.99 1 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 10h 5m Make it yours... |
| Canal Street Folding Hunter Knife Buffalo Horn Scales US $159.95 ![]() Auction Ends: 10h 21m Make it yours... |
| FOSSIL KNIFE SCALES 4 11 16 x 1 11 16 to 1 7 16 x 7 32 US $69.99 0 Bid ![]() Auction Ends: 11h 4m Make it yours... |

