How to Make Knife Handles - Beginner's Guide 2019

Рет қаралды 144,128

5 жыл бұрын

This is a step by step guide on how to put handle scales onto a full tang knife. In today's video we'll be utilizing corby fasteners to make a bullet proof handle on your knife! If you have any questions please feel free to hit up the comment section below!
✅Notable Items and Tools:
G-Flex Epoxy - amzn.to/2Li4Loz
Kant Twist Clamp 1'' - amzn.to/30roENx
Corby Pop's - pops-knife-supply.myshopify.c...
Corby Amazon - amzn.to/2LeEaJf
Bauer Bandsaw - amzn.to/30tVihM
Bandsaw Stand - (Swag) - amzn.to/2LN9QoE
WEN Drill Press - amzn.to/2xEsWon
Calipers - amzn.to/2Z6EsUZ
✅Notable How To Videos and Reviews:
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DIY PID Controller - • How to Build a PID Con...
WEN Sharpener Review - • WEN Sharpener Review &...
Build Venturi Forge Burner - • How to Build a Venturi...
How to Stonewash a Knife - • How to Stonewash a Knife
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The information provided on this channel is for entertainment purposes only. Any action you as the viewer takes upon the information on this channel is strictly at your own risk, and I will not be liable for any losses, damages, or personal injuries in connection with the use of this content (including injuries, damages, or losses sustained while you were trying to emulate the actions and projects on this channel). Attempting to emulate any of the actions or projects put forth by this channel should not be done without training and even then, at your own risk.

Пікірлер: 179

@ScrapMetalTherapy 5 жыл бұрын

That's what is needed - good quality tutorials. Keep it up mate! Very very good! How are those perpendicular blocks called (I mean the ones you put the knife on to drill holes)?

@RedBeardOps 5 жыл бұрын

Scrap Metal Therapy thanks man, those a 3-2-1 blocks. You can find them for a good price on Amazon!

@Forexfox99 14 күн бұрын

“Helicopter like situations at the drill press” - haven’t we all been there lol

@RedBeardOps 14 күн бұрын

lol

@austinwilson4785 3 жыл бұрын

It’s 12:15am and I’m finishing my first knife, this video helped me so much. Thanks man!

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah! Thanks Austin. Glad you liked it!

@howardhazelwood4470 2 жыл бұрын

excellent video. Thank you. I'm glad you didn't have obnoxious music playing in the background.

@sudo_nym 3 жыл бұрын

Just glued my handle on following your advice! 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah sir! Really glad to hear that

@stevetroiano4695 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. New to this and gave me a good direction to start.

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Good deal Steve, Glad you got something out of it!

@Prolite669 3 жыл бұрын

Placing the bits in the holes!!! Brilliant!

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@rich2760 4 жыл бұрын

One of the best videos I have ever seen on here

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed it.

@dougbiagi220 2 жыл бұрын

Great "how" to video for beginners....Thank you!

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Ziyaadoo 4 жыл бұрын

This is really going to help me as i have struggled with handles for a while....Thank you!

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah sir, Glad it helped you out! Cheers

@jameswalker6810 4 жыл бұрын

This video was the best tutorial I have ever seen. I am using it to build my first handle!!!

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah man, glad it was helpful!

@rlm98253 4 жыл бұрын

Well thought out presentation. You obviously know what you're doing and how to transfer that knowledge to your audience. One of the most intelligent tutorials on KZfaq.

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Hey, I really appreciate that! Thanks for your comment.

@tomkennish3630 3 жыл бұрын

Top shelf tutorial my man, others should be taking notes. Well done

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Tom, really happy you liked it!

@Yousoundvaxxed 3 жыл бұрын

Video is great as always. I’m in the handle process and I’ve been afraid to start doing it for over a week now. This tutorial definitely helps!

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Captain-Electro Жыл бұрын

A lot of smart stuff in this video. Thanks, I'm just starting to build knives and I'm listening to everything I can.

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

Good luck with your builds!

@joshuahemingway4343 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely one of the best and clearest tutorials on handle construction I've seen. I loved it. Many thanks. I'm putting antler scales on my full tang, which is probably a similar density to your Micarta, and burns easy. So thanks for all the tips. I will be sure to turn my sander down. I loved the angled block too, and the high tech pencil.

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

LOL, thank you sir! Really glad you got something out of this tutorial. Have a great weekend!

@pskemster 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff!Appreciate the share.!

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers sir!

@elvudude206 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother this tutorial help me to fixed my broken handle🙌🏽💪🏽

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@stevenjennings8347 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls God Bless Ya 🙏

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! You too!

@reneemills-mistretta790 2 жыл бұрын

Good tips. No matter how many year's I've been a knife Smith, I still learn from others tips and idea's. Blacksmithing is a craft that will I & you will always learn and grow no matter how long you've been doing it for. There's so many great learning videos and this platform is a great device to do just that.

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Renee! Glad you liked it

@charruauno386 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, very good video I will follow the instructions thank you, have a nice and safe day, from Uruguay

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! You too!

@q3aryoko 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video its very informative. I will use several of your techniques rather than the haphazard way i made my first knife handle. Gonna give it a try at the shop Saturday. Thanks again!

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad you found value here. Hope it goes well this weekend!

@davidscadlock5569 3 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial!!!

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

@gretchenmorfea5988 3 жыл бұрын

About to finish my first knife thanks to your advice

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Good luck!

@gretchenmorfea5988 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man

@kennethchan6998 2 жыл бұрын

.....Awesome Video!!

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Headliner99 2 жыл бұрын

I watched this video a few weeks ago. Until then I always had trouble with the pins lining up after drilling the scales. Using 1-2-3 blocks with a small clamp is the perfect method for keeping everything lined up. Yesterday I drilled 6 small holes in a small boot-knife handle and every pin was aligned perfectly with the holes I drilled. Perfectly!!! Thank you for making this video and making my knife making so much easier… 🐳

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it worked for you! Cheers!

@NRiggiKnives 5 жыл бұрын

Great demo and explanation. I use,a similar method when doing my fit ups. Couple tricks I use are to put a L or R o the scales in pencil to avoid switching them and I also slightly enlarge the drill hole from the inside of the scales, being careful not to go more than half of the thickness. This seems to help with alignment and ease if putting the pins in.

@RedBeardOps 5 жыл бұрын

Nick Riggi very nice! I like the labeling of left and right. My Corby holes end up slightly oversized after reaming with the counter bore bit. Thanks for watching!

@stevec8516 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome.. I was looking for a good shot of your 45 degree angle sanding jig and how you attached it to your work rest, found it, cheers

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Steevo! Check out a few of my most recent full tang knife build, I have some good shots of it in there. Have a great week!

@my1956effie 2 жыл бұрын

That is a very nice knife.👍

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@crazychupacabra4449 2 жыл бұрын

This was so great. I always struggle with the handles. Just a tip about the Corby bolts. Most of the Corby's are metric, so if you get some metric bits it will save having to sand down the outsides to fit the hole.

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks!

@nateand3 4 жыл бұрын

Another good video man. I made a knife about 3 years ago and I carry it every day. I put my scales on pretty much how you do, but with straight pins and a piece of stainless tubing for a lanyard hole. I carry it every day. Not long after I made mine, (and I'm embarrassed by this, but i work a lot of overtime and have a sideline business) I started a knife for someone else. I think with the slower pace Covid19 has brought on and the change of work schedule, I hope to get back to that knife and finish it. Hopefully the guy will still buy it. If not, I'll give it or sell it to someone else and start on another. I'm really enjoying your channel and the way you teach. You might be a better teacher than knife maker....that sounded bad. Hopefully you know what I mean lol

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Lol, I know what you mean for sure. Maybe it's true! I do really enjoy the video making process and managing this channel. It pushes me to try new things too, which is a plus. Really glad you enjoyed this one. Good luck sir!

@gamer2101 2 жыл бұрын

Who doesn’t love a helicopter flying situation!!!!?? You take all the fun out of it.

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

LOL

@danielivanov3463 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@cliftonshotwell7847 3 жыл бұрын

As a beginning knife maker I wanted to take the time to thank you for all your training videos and sharing your knowledge. I find them extremely helpful. Good job!

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Clifton! Much appreciated!

@chrisrickey8952 2 жыл бұрын

I'm 3 knives in now and my last glue up felt very chaotic. I will reference this over and over to shoot for your calm and collected demeanor.

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck Chris! Use long setting G-flex and it takes the pressure off!

@agoodun 2 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍🙂

@wiggsan 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!!!!

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@caravann26 2 жыл бұрын

Nice and simple !! luckily I have some hand skills and other cross pollination skills that will help cause you make it look too easy

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@christianrodriguez620 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t have any power tools besides a powered drill, but I decided to put new scales on my grandma’s favorite kitchen knife after the original ones fell off. Gotta day, it’s hard seeing my week’s work of hand sanding and hand sawing done in what seems like two days.

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Lol, cheers sir! No one starts off "fast"

@MrSoloun 5 жыл бұрын

Great Vid thanks for that, is there a name for the clamp that is bolted to your drill press bed? I've seen people using these but can't find them anywhere :) I use a vise grips but a fixed clamp would be better I think.

@RedBeardOps 5 жыл бұрын

MrSoloun I found that clamp at harbor freight. It’s specifically made for drill presses. I think it was around $15

@davebranson4051 5 жыл бұрын

What angle did you cut your wood scale jig to? I really appreciate you doing the videos as a newbie it helps a bunch

@RedBeardOps 5 жыл бұрын

They Dave! I love doing them. The angle is ~45 degrees.

@Cherokie89 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all your videos. So we should epoxy and pin/bolt? Is it standard practice to epoxy when pinning scales on? Why use removable hardware like corby bolts if we epoxy the thing on anyway?

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

When using corbies it's standard to also use the epoxy, not only for a hold, but also as a seal. So as not to rust under the scales. Once a corby is ground, it can't be removed. If you're using removable handle scales with bolts that can be easily removed, this can be avoided since the user can take the knife appart and oil.

@definite_d 3 жыл бұрын

I'm watching this at a time when your channel is called "Red Beard Ops", so the intro made me think I had the wrong video at first.

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Lol, yes sir, had a branding change. I think this video is one of my more relevant older videos. Probably need to make an updated version!

@johnlangrehr 3 жыл бұрын

Why the hell have i never thought of drilling BOTH sides at the same time?!! As long as the left/right orientation is correct....Thanks man!!!

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah John, give it a go! I love this method and still use it almost exclusively

@johnlangrehr 3 жыл бұрын

@@RedBeardOps worked like a charm!!!

@JonasHavens Жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you. Can you give me some information on your belt grinder?

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

Right now I'm using the North Ridge grinder and really like it. www.northridgetool.com/grinders/

@paulocrosa6435 9 ай бұрын

Hi Mr Keeton. I am wondering if you have a suggestion list for knives handle profiles. Thanks.

@RedBeardOps 9 ай бұрын

I'm really not sure how to answer!

@bkup1332 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for making it. I am stuck on one thing, though, and maybe you can help. I peen in pins to hold on the scales and backspring (I make slipjoints, mostly), and by the time I have filed and sanded the handles to shape, the mushroom head has been ground off and there is nothing holding in the pin except for a little glue in the hole. I am working with tiny, 3/32" or smaller pins. Got any advice? Thanks!

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Hey man, just some thoughts... no expert here. When you peen the pins the mushroomed top is not all that holds the pin in. It actually reverse tapers the pins on the ends.... I think... If there is some room in the hole for them to do so. Also many makers use straight pins with just epoxy and they hold up very well

@Angelo-il5gi 2 жыл бұрын

It will help you to use a tapered reamer first, to allow more room for the pin to expand into, then when your done, there should still be enough of expanded tapered pin.

@DrenneRvc 2 жыл бұрын

RBO, what do you recommend for actually polishing the handles?

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Really high grit sand paper (work up to 1200ish) then I hit it with some oil like balistol and buff with a micro fiber cloth.

@DrenneRvc 2 жыл бұрын

@@RedBeardOps dude thanks for fast respond. Merry Christmas.

@nicholasb2245 Жыл бұрын

When you and down the sides with the corby pins in, how do you get the sandpaper marks out of it? The pins are always scuffed when I get done sanding the sides down.

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

I work up the grits. It takes time for sure.

@tekken.universal2343 9 ай бұрын

Great except i have just one suitable power tool and that is the drill press

@sudo_nym 4 жыл бұрын

Boom! 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸

@thebogamin Жыл бұрын

how do you make sure your tang stays flat for a good mating surface between the scales and tang during the hand-sanding of the tang? i've been using the surface grinder to get the tang real flat but have to sand the knife to get the finish which inevitably gets rid of some of the flatness where i'm hand-sanding (up by the front of the handle)

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

I surface grind to around 320 grit so there really isn't much more material to remove at the ricasso. You can take it to the surface plate with some sand paper if you get out of flatness

@thebogamin Жыл бұрын

@@RedBeardOps makes perfect sense. I was only surface grinding to a very rough grit. thanks as always

@TheE1401 3 жыл бұрын

If I have everything, including rods/pins and epoxy, can I do this without the corby pops and only use these pins and epoxy?

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

You sure can. Cheers

@AverageGIJoeOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

where did you get your hallmark stamp? did you have it made or did you make it.... it looks really goood

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

makers mark stamp - www.tustech.com/admin/home

@Jamal_Tyrone 2 жыл бұрын

Are the screw slots cut off or ground off on the belt sander at some stage?

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

That is correct. They're ground down. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rNuGqZxis9Wtmqs.html

@josephtitone7372 3 жыл бұрын

How do u Finish ur Micarta handles is it just sanded to a high grit or is a oil used

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Joseph, I hand sand them to 1000 grit. Then just wipe them down with some car wax and a T-Shirt.

@josephtitone7372 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply your videos have been heaps helpful

@diygeneration5566 2 жыл бұрын

*GREAT work! I recently posted a similar video on youtube and would like your opinion on it and the method of mounting the knife handle.*

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

Have a great day!

@Dan-oi4kt Жыл бұрын

Would you make handles for a machete I have? I already have two Wenge wood scales for you to use.

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

Sorry Dan, I'm not taking custom orders.

@tonimoon6346 3 жыл бұрын

🤘

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Toni!

@fatih2313 3 ай бұрын

why do you use these corby fasteners instead of regular cylinder pins? What advantage does it provide?

@RedBeardOps 3 ай бұрын

Corby fasteners are common in the custom knife making world. They look like regular pins, but pull together mechanically.

@fatih2313 3 ай бұрын

@@RedBeardOps thanks for the reply! I just saw a cross section view of a corby fastened handle and understood the mechanics. Makes a lot more sense now :)

@ryanbrimer1039 3 жыл бұрын

How did you get that finish on the blade in the start of t h e video

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

If I remember right that is a 320 grit hand sanded finish

@stealhty1 4 жыл бұрын

The pins are called Korby fastener and the handles Scales ?

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, the handle scales are attached with corby fasteners.

@finalbossd 3 жыл бұрын

I have a question: My knife is 1/8 inch thick, and I have some scales that are 1/4 inch each. Would that be thick enough in your opinion, or should I aim for 3/8 inch scales?

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Hi sir, I may many knives with those dimensions (1/4 scales and 1/8 blade). I like the feel of them.

@DavidWilson-vq7fl 2 жыл бұрын

The knife in the video looks amazing...is it for sale?

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

No sir, sorry about that!

@zeni3382 Ай бұрын

Couldn't you use a router table with a flush trim bit to carve the shape of the handles

@RedBeardOps Ай бұрын

Yep, I bet that would work/help

@billclancy4913 4 жыл бұрын

At about 7:22, you caution against getting epoxy into the female part of the corby. Why is this? Do you put any epoxy on the male side to bond them together?

@RedBeardOps 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it doesn't seem to be an issue to get epoxy on the male side. Getting epoxy in the female end can sometimes cause it to get trapped in there and thus not allow the male side all the way in. Since the epoxy is pretty non-compressible; this can cause the corby not to completely tighten down in some cases.

@jameswalker6810 3 жыл бұрын

What size drill bit for 3/16?

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Your best bet is to measure your pin stock and find the closest drill bit in a fractional set.

@jqcargle 2 жыл бұрын

How thick were your scales if you don't mind saying.

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

Those were 1/4'', cheers!

@norcalbowhunter3264 7 күн бұрын

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. All my stuff is at a perfect 90’ angle, but when I drill holes and go to stick pins into them it’s like the holes are off. I follow the exact steps you use in this video and use a drill press. The holes line up while they’re stacked up under the knife, but as soon as I take put a scale on both sides of the knife my pins won’t fit anymore and it’s like the holes are off. It makes me think something is crooked but I can’t figure out what. I’ve had the issue with many different types of scales from many different places. Also how would you our knife scales onto a stone washed knife without messing up the stone wash on the spine?

@RedBeardOps 7 күн бұрын

Man I'm not sure what's going on with your builds, I haven't had issues with this method. As far as keeping the stone washed finish you can build takedown scales like this - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/htGbibmKzrTWoo0.html Or permanently like this - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ech_nZCcnLOVpac.html

@norcalbowhunter3264 7 күн бұрын

Thanks for the videos suggestions I'll give them a watch! And it's all trial and error right? I'm relatively new to the hobby. I got started about 5 months ago thanks to your videos. Saving up right now to get a 2x72 and get more serious. So I still got a lot to learn.

@RedBeardOps 7 күн бұрын

@@norcalbowhunter3264 Awesome, good luck with your builds man!

@AldoSchmedack Жыл бұрын

What is better, permanent loctite or epoxy on threads?

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

When it comes to corby fasteners or loveless I go with epoxy

@bryanbock1942 3 жыл бұрын

That jig you made is it a 45 degree angle?

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Yes sir it's about 45

@bryanbock1942 3 жыл бұрын

Red Beard Ops ok thank you brother.

@1joshjosh1 Жыл бұрын

What do you call the little brass pins??

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

Corby Bolts - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rNuGqZxis9Wtmqs.html

@1joshjosh1 Жыл бұрын

@@RedBeardOps Amazon here I come

@AMERICA_gunexpert Жыл бұрын

Can you tell me to tell me what the name of that saw is, I forgot 3:09

@RedBeardOps Жыл бұрын

There are lots of brands, some cheaper than this one... but it's called a porta-bandsaw - amzn.to/3K1uNtw

@arkas6797 5 ай бұрын

Since you have a drill with a depth guide for corbies you do not need to adjust the depth gauge of your drill. We would drill with the drill setting if we had a simple drill. Simply rest your micarta on your drill plate and drill fearlessly, when the tip of the drill driver touches the metal plate you are ready.

@BadAndy01979 3 жыл бұрын

I liked your video, Be careful with that phenolic material you used. I work in a machine shop where we mill it. It has many chemicals in it including formaldehyde. When you route it the dust will give you a nose bleed! Just a heads up.

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

@paolos22 11 ай бұрын

What is the material you are using for the handle, you keep saying handle scales then micarda, or micarta or something? Info for beginners please!!

@RedBeardOps 11 ай бұрын

Sorry, here you go sir - amzn.to/467aeot

@bobbyhempel1513 2 жыл бұрын

Sure wish I had a drill press and a bandsaw

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

They are great machines!

@chandrakantsawant4410 2 жыл бұрын

What's the thickness of the blade?

@RedBeardOps 2 жыл бұрын

In this case it's 1/8'' stock

@ShelleyRaskin 3 жыл бұрын

What breathing equipment are you using there.

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

This is the one I use. Cheers! - Resp-O-Rator - amzn.to/2M6PMN7

@louiseheiwood2688 3 жыл бұрын

I’m wanting to make a handle for my boyfriend’s knife, we got it from his grandfather who passed recently and we both really want to restore it. Unfortunately, it’s handle was made of electrical tape when we got it so it needs a new, proper handle. It doesn’t have any holes in the tang for pins and I don’t know what the original handle looked like so I’m at a bit of a loss for what to do...

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Louise, if it's a full tang handle like the knife in the video you could drill holes and attach scales. If it's a hidden tang (stick tang) (skinny tang) the process will be considerably different. Some knife makers will take on a project like that. I'd look around your area for one.

@louiseheiwood2688 3 жыл бұрын

Red Beard Ops, it’s full tang, the whole knife looks sorta like a halfway point between a dagger and a hunting knife. I wanna give it a shot taking care of it, we got a few old knives laying around that need attention that I can practice on first =^//^= . Thanks bunches for the video and for responding! =^-^=

@RedBeardOps 3 жыл бұрын

@@louiseheiwood2688 Good luck with it! Some good scales, some straight pins, G-Flex epoxy, and a good rasp would be ideal tools. The rasp will allow you to remove material fairly quickly on the handle to get it contored. To get the scales flat on the tang side you can use sand paper laied over a piece of granite or a piece of glass. If you're looking for a wood, go with a naturally stable wood (ironwood/ebony/purplehart,etc). You could also use some micarta or G10. Make sure not to breath any of the dust!