| Frequently Asked Questions |
Will any gemstone work for knife handles?
Not all gemstones can be used on all knives! That is why at least 99% of all the gemstone materials I
keep available are Jaspers or Agates which are extremely hard and strong and should last you forever provided
you don't abuse it.
How do you attach the handles?
Only the toughest gem is used on full tang knives with one front bolster and no rear bolster, because
there is no metal protecting the gemstone butt of the handle.
I make sure that the handles are attached with both mechanical as well as adhesive bonding. Hidden stainless steel screws are used, and sometimes
hidden pins. You won't see the hidden pins and/or screws, so the gemstone stands to the forefront.
Jasper and Agate Gem Stone will outlast every other handle material used on knives, period! Unlike woods, animal horn, bone, pearl,
and any man-made handle material. Gemstone will not shrink, crack, stain, or wear.
Why don't more custom knife makers use gemstone?
Lapidary work takes a great deal of time, which most knife makers are not willing to invest. The cost of the
gemstone material and diamond equipment used to cut and form the stone are very prohibitive. I get my stone worldwide from reputable gemstone suppliers and miners.
I use only top grade gemstone quality material.
How can I tell if a knife handle is real stone?
Real rock is not perfect. This is what separates it from plastic. You can scratch plastic
easily, not gem. A good nonivasive way to tell plastic from gemstone is to tap the handle with a small steel
rod and listen to the sound. The plastic will "thump" and the gemstone will "click." You can also take a sharp or hot needle
and scratch plastic where as gemstone will not be phased.
What is stabilized, composite, reconstituted, or reconstructed gemstone used by large
companies and knife builders?
These terms are describing PLASTIC. If there are any confusing terms like "gem material" or
"reconstructed stone," or "stabilized," or "alternate," or "composite," IT IS PLASTIC. If you want a plastic
handled knife, that's fine, just don't pay a gemstone price for a plastic handled knife.
What payment methods do you accept?
If you would like to pay via your bank account to credit card please pay via PayPal. To pay via check or
money order please dend an email buy clicking the Contact Us link or by emailng stoneartcustomknives@yahoo.com
|
|