Here is a very good photo essay by Pekka Tuominen first presented on his Facebook page, I enjoy this style of handle which is native to Finland and northern Scandinavia.
The birch bark makes for a very comfortable grip and attractive handle suitable in all weather conditions. Here is how it’s done by a master. Thank you Pekka!
Pekka’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/puukkopekkacom/165617670155873
Birch bark
after cutting horizontally and vertically
cleaning the birch bark
blade, bolsters and handle material ready
start stacking the bark alternating horizontal and vertical pieces
tighten the stack
rivet the back bolster
first rough grind
heating in oven about 75 C, 165 F for about 30 minutes.
tighten after heating
tang
file the tang
last hammering
rivet is ready
last grind
final honing with water sandpaper
the finished puukko!
Cool!
A most excellent set of photos and instructions. Thank you very much.
heating in oven about 75 C – how long time?
½ hour is ok time !
Thanks a lot Pekka!
Made my first handle today and learnt that an angle grinder is not a good substitute for a wheel.