As you may already know, I enjoy using pallet wood on my projects. So when a friend gave me a few kitchen knives with broken handles, I figured that I’d try making a handle out of pallet wood.

The handles were made out of very inferior plastic, which had splintered and broken off. These knives were likely offered for sale on an American television commercial – “Order these Ginsu carving knives now, and receive a bamboo steamer as a free gift.” I wonder if she has the bamboo steamer?

Anyway, I was able to salvage one handle as a pattern. I traced the plastic handle onto the pallet wood.

Some pallets are made of hard woods, probably walnut or oak. I chose a piece that seemed fairly hard. I cut out two handles and then cut each one down the middle.

Here you can see one of the original black plastic handles.

I drilled holes to attach the handles to the blade, then lightly sanded each piece and coated with Varathane,

I attached the handles using small screws. Unfortunately, when drilling a hole to countersink the nut, I chipped the wood.

No worries, this was my first attempt and is now a resident in my fishing tackle box.

A fun project reusing two items that would likely have found their way into a landfill.

Recycle and Reuse!