Description
This book is for everyone who enjoys Japanese kitchen knives and would like to learn how to make their own custom handles for them. I will go through the process from start to finish, covering the hand tools I use, providing tips on wood selection, and explaining finishing and installation. I will be using detailed step by step technical drawings to make a handle that will fit a 210-270mm (8 ¼-10 ¼”) gyuto blade.
Both metric and imperial measurements are included.
What’s New in the v2.0 Update:
- Master Index: Rebuilt from the ground up for easy navigation while you’re at the workbench.
- Handle Anatomy & Sizing Charts: A completely new chapter breaking down classic profiles, including the much-requested sizing chart for common blade types and lengths.
- Dual-Path Construction Framework: The core of the guide is now split into two professional workflows that converge at the shaping stage:
- The Multi-Piece Path: The dowel and ferrule method, now featuring an updated alternate dowel blueprint for easier blade alignment.
- The Mono-Handle Path: A brand-new, comprehensive section on single-piece handles with a preview of an optional tool upgrade designed to make drilling perfectly centered pilot holes in mono handles effortless.
- The “Why” vs. The “Where”: I’ve kept the deep technical explanations of why I use specific tools in the book, while moving the “where to buy” to a live Resources Page on the website for instant access.
Erik (verified owner) –
Get The Handle Making Guide!
When I was considering trying to make my own handles, a renowned, professional handle maker recommended I buy Colton’s how-to guide. It was great advice, he was absolutely right, and I recommend it to everyone! Yes, Colton details how to do the entire process by hand but the information is completely applicable no matter how you want to approach it!
I have all the dimension pages printed out and posted at my work bench now.
If you’re thinking about making your own Japanese wa handles, I can’t recommend this guide enough.
Shaun Miller (verified owner) –
A great help!
I bought this e-book after countless failures on Wa handles, I have found it easy to follow with great photos and in depth explanations, I fully recommend this book to help with your journey into the Wa handle on japanese knives. 5 stars for sure !!!!
Taylor Green (verified owner) –
Traditional methods made very simple.
I learned everything I needed to know about working with wood and knives from Colton. His methods are easy to follow, intuitive, and best of all traditional. Even now with lots of experience myself and a successful small knife business I still refer to his expertise to refresh my knowledge and solve problems.
Highly recommend to anyone looking to feel more connected to their knives and explore a very rewarding Japanese craft.
Michael Gaisbacher (verified owner) –
Great guide on how to make Wa Handles.
This is a very well written and thought out guide to making handles. From tool selection to understanding grain direction this book covers all you need to know to get started making handles. Not only does he list the tools needed but also why he may have a preference for a specific style of tool, this also applies for the methods he uses for constructing handles. I think the information in this could be useful for anyone ranging from novice woodworkers who may have little or no experience to those who already have woodworking knowledge and would like to have a better understanding of Wa handles.
Cheryl (verified owner) –
Very well illustrated and easy to follow. I appreciate that it also answers why to do things a certain way, not just a basic how to manual. Well done.