Grain direction for knife handle

[chawbeef]

Hello all. I have a 50 year old Mora knife that I would like to put a birds eye maple handle on. The piece of Maple I have is 5/8 inch thick and I plan to "sandwich" it on the tang. My question is, should the grain go in line with the blade or 90 degrees to it?? Any suggestions or criticisms are welcome. I also plan to reshape the blade to replicate an older knife.Thanks.....................Daniel

 

[pondoro]

I've never seen a knife handle with the grain running perpendicular to the blade. Maybe a decorative strip will run perpendicular but the the bulk of the handle runs parallel.

 

[JeffG]

Pretty much up to you. I've made integral sheath knives in both directions.

 

[chawbeef]

Thank you Gents. That is a beautiful knife Irondog..........Daniel

 

[Artificer]

I wonder if this is the answer you are looking for?

For strength, the grain should run parallel to the longest dimension. This link gives examples of that in a pedestal leg.
http://www.startwoodworking.com/post/guide-wayward-ways-wood-grain

Gus

 

[chawbeef]

Great read Artificer. Thank you.............Daniel

 

[Artificer]

You are most welcome.
Gus