Customizing the Kerf Carver Knife

By George Nikolakopoulos

 

The knife has been a trusted companion to humans for centuries, evolving from simple stone and bone blades to today’s high-tech, precision-crafted tools. Materials have changed over time, from iron and steel to modern synthetics like plastic, Micarta, and G10. Advances in metallurgy have also introduced a variety of steels with properties that go beyond simple edge retention, making modern knives more durable and functional than ever.

When building a gear kit, whether for outdoor adventures or everyday carry, the knife is often the first item to come to mind. Choosing the right knife is a deeply personal decision, influenced by factors like steel composition, blade shape, size, handle material, and of course, price. For many enthusiasts, a knife is not just a tool—it’s an extension of their personality and preferences. Customizing a knife is a great way to make it truly yours, from adding personalized lanyards to choosing custom handle materials.

One company that offers a great deal of customization is Woodsmonkey, with its popular Kerf Carver model. This small, versatile knife is perfect for both everyday carry and leisurely carving sessions. Crafted from AEB-L stainless steel, the Kerf Carver has an overall length of 6 inches, with a 2-inch cutting edge. The knife’s thickness measures 1/8-inch, while the handles are 3/8-inch thick, providing a solid and comfortable grip. The standard version of the knife features removable handles, and Woodsmonkey offers a range of materials to choose from, including G-10, Micarta, and Terotuff. For those who like to take it a step further, they also offer the knife without scales, allowing for even more customization.

Personalizing the Kerf Carver: My Birch Wood Handle Project

When I first got my hands on a Kerf Carver, I immediately knew I wanted to make it my own. I decided to craft a set of custom birch wood handles with red liners—an idea that I thought would give the knife a unique, rustic look. Here’s how I approached the project.

Materials Used:

• Epoxy glue
• Two clamps
• Vulcanized red paper
• One set of birch handles
• Two bolts
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Carpenter’s tape

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Preparing the Handle Scales:
   The first step was to cut the vulcanized red paper into the shape of the knife’s handles. Once the pieces were cut, I glued them to the birch wood handles using epoxy glue. I let everything settle before moving on to the next stage.
2. Attaching the Handles:
   Once the red paper liners were securely in place, I glued the handles to the knife’s tang, using epoxy to make sure the bond was strong. At this stage, I also attached the bolts that would hold the handles in place.
3. Shaping the Handles:
   Using a knife, I roughly carved the shape of the handles to fit comfortably in my hand. This was the fun part, but also the most time-consuming. With no power tools at my disposal, everything was done by hand, which made the process slower but more rewarding.
4. Sanding to Perfection:
   Sanding is where the magic really happens. I started with #40 sandpaper to remove any rough edges and shape the handles more precisely. This took quite a bit of time—around a week of consistent sanding to get the desired fit and feel. After that, I moved on to finer grits, finishing with #400 sandpaper for a smooth, polished surface.
5. Finishing Touches:
   To bring out the natural beauty of the birch wood, I applied a coat of linseed oil. This really made the wood grain pop, giving the knife a rich, warm appearance.

 

 

The Final Product:

The finished knife is everything I hoped for. The birch wood handles feel fantastic in hand, offering a solid, comfortable grip. The red liners provide a nice contrast against the pale wood, giving the knife a striking look. The whole process was incredibly satisfying—there’s something deeply rewarding about creating something completely customized. The Kerf Carver now feels truly personal, a reflection of my own taste and craftsmanship.

If you’re someone who enjoys personalizing your gear, I highly recommend picking up a Kerf Carver and giving it a go. Whether you’re new to knife customization or a seasoned hobbyist, the process is fun, fulfilling, and the end result is a knife that feels uniquely yours. The Woodsmonkey team has designed a great foundation for customization, and with a little effort, you can create a knife that fits your exact style and needs.

 

George Spent nine years in the Greek Army Raiders where he learned survival skills. Since being honorably discharged, he has been working in the tourism industry. After every season ends, you will find him at his olive field harvesting olives to make oil. In his free time, George loves spending time outdoors hunting, camping, and practicing traditional archery. He enjoys writing articles, sharing his experiences of his trips to the woods, gear reviews, recipes and survival tips. George was a a contributing writer to Self-Reliance Illustrated magazine and has a YouTube and Blog under the name Mountain Raider. 

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