Dovetailed Laminate Handles

Article written by: Skye Eilers of Skye Eilers Knives | Facebook: Skye Eilers Kives | Instagram: @skye.eilers

This article demonstrates how I make “dovetailed” laminate handles. This is my Kingmaker design – G10 scales, brass bolsters, and brass and G10 spacers. The fitment is angled, providing the illusion of curved spacers when the handle is rounded. Other appearances could be achieved with faceting or shaping.

This shows how I do this exact style. I’d encourage you to find your take on it and/or acknowledge inspirations. Some makers utilize angled fits on full and hidden tangs, with various materials or the angle facing the other way. There’s room for experimentation; this article simply shows how to approach such a fitment.

This isn’t an easy fitment, especially with metal components and a tapered tang. It requires minimal equipment but takes several hours. There is no room for error; the dovetails must align perfectly. I’d start with a variation purely in G10 or micarta as that’s easier to get fitting cleanly with a good glue bond.
This fitment suits most knives. However, I’d hesitate to use metal components for a larger camp/chopping knife. I haven’t tested whether vibration and impact from heavy chopping present integrity issues. I’ve had no issue with this style on a chef or small EDC, but G10 or micarta only in this style would be best for anything heavy-duty. With all that said, let’s break down the process!