How to Find the Right Knife Scales

Whether you're an avid collector of knives or a seasoned outdoorsman, you know the importance of having the right knife for the job. One of the most critical components of a knife is its handle, also known as the scales. The right scales can make the difference between a knife that's comfortable to hold and one that's difficult to handle. Looking for knives scales for sale? Here’s what to look for!

What are knife scales?

Knife scales are the two halves of the handle that are attached to either side of the blade. They are typically made of materials like wood, synthetic materials, or metal, and can range in size and shape. The choice of material and design will impact the weight, balance, and grip of your knife.

Factors to consider when choosing knife scales for sale

With so many different materials and sizes and styles to choose from, it might be overwhelming when picking out a knife scale at first. But there are some things to keep in mind when browsing knife scales for sale.

At the Knife Connection, we carry a wide variety of knife scales to consider. Here’s how to narrow it down and pick the one that’s right for you and your specific blade.

Material

One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing knife scales is the material. The most common materials used for knife scales are wood, synthetic materials, and metal.

Wood scales

Wooden knife scales are a classic and timeless choice because they’re warm and comfortable to the touch and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some popular choices for wood scales include rosewood, walnut, and hickory. However, wood scales can be prone to cracking, splitting, or warping over time.

Synthetic scales

Synthetic knife scales are an excellent choice for those who want a durable, low-maintenance handle. They are typically made from materials like G10 or Micarta, which are known for their toughness and resistance to moisture. Synthetic scales come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile option.

Metal scales

Metal knife scales can add significant weight to your knife and provide an excellent grip, but they can also be cold to the touch. Common metals used for knife scales include aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. Some knife enthusiasts prefer metal scales for their durability and overall look — let’s be real, they look badass.

Design

The design of the knife scales will impact the balance and grip of your knife. A well-designed set of knife scales should have a good grip, provide balance, and be comfortable to hold. Some popular designs for knife scales include ergonomic shapes, textured surfaces, and finger grooves.

Cost

Cost is another factor to consider when choosing knife scales. While it's possible to find high-quality knife scales at a reasonable price, some materials and designs can be quite expensive. Before making a purchase, consider your budget and what you're looking to get out of your knife.

Why The Knife Connection

We were founded by a guy who was an outdoor enthusiast his whole life. He used knives for just about everything — hunting, hiking, trapping, fishing… The Knife Connection also has a marketing and customer service team with decades of experience. That’s why we not only know knives, but know which one is right for you.

Whether you don’t like the color or grip of your handle scales, we make it easy to find a set of replacements for ESEE Knives, Ontario Knives and Becker Knives. We offer a huge selection of custom handles for knives so you can easily find a pair of scales that will offer the look and feel that you are looking for. All of these handles are precision CNC machined to ensure a precise fit. You’ll find hundreds of options, all at different price ranges. Some are even handmade.

How to install a knife scale

So you have found the knife scale that fits your price range and has the right look for your blade. But how do you get it on? This is luckily a really simple process that can be done with a minimal amount of tools. Enjoy working with your hands? You’ll like installing a knife scale.

Before getting started, you'll need the following tools:

• A screwdriver
• A set of pliers
• A hammer
• A punch or dowel rod
• A file or sandpaper
• Epoxy or superglue

Here are the steps for installing knife scales:

• Remove the old scales
• Clean the blade and tang
• Prepare the new scales
• Apply adhesive to the tang and scales
• Clamp the scales in place
• Allow the adhesive to cure
• Check for gaps and sand or file as necessary

So there you have it! Whether you’re looking for a traditional and classy hunting knife or a tough-looking knife for protection, there’s bound to be knife scales for sale that will instantly make your knife your own. This is a great way to personalize your knife to match your personality and meet your needs.