This is a follow up to some of the question raised in the "Handle Experiments" thread - I recall pictures were asked for. For those more experienced in wood working please throw in your advice and constructive criticisms for the rest of us to learn from. I've kept the text to a minimum, as it follows on our discussions from the original "Handle experiments" thread.

1) Rough mark out your shape on Blank - Note how it doesn't quite work to plan.


2) Draw on your rough design


3) Score out the design (For your engraving tool to follow)


4) Start creating negative space (ie: "cut away everything that doesn't look like a bear")


5) Carve out the knot overlaps


6) Start sanding down the entire rest of the surface.


7) Neaten your knot - This is the make or break part, it may take longer than every other step to get it just right, so don't rush it. Here you want to bevel the edges, smooth out the overlap areas and make sure the band stays roughly the same diameter throughout the knot.


8) Finished knot - now you can finsih and neaten up the rest of the handle's proportions.