Advice on wood inlay -- curly maple

[KeithAM]

Inspired in part by some of the recent threads, I'm on the verge of taking the plunge and ordering a curly maple wood inlay.

True North's example (sold) got me started on the maple idea:

http://www.truenorthknives.com/tnk_1mainframe.htm

(Click on production knives, new items.)

Before I place my order, I'd like to know if anyone sees a any downside to this particular selection of wood.

 

[DaveH]

yeah actually there is a huge problem, not just with the maple but almost all the wood inlays.

When you buy one, you'll realize how cool all the other wood inlays are and want to buy those as well.

I'm not aware of any problems. save on resale. I've bought and sold NIB wood inlays on the forums, and they seem to sell for a least $100 below the retail price. If you have patience, you might post in thw anted section or keep an eye on the forsale forum.

 

[Nathan S]

Ditto what Dave said. I only have one wood inlay Sebbie, and that ain't enough. Deciding which is the "best" inlay really boils down to a simple question of taste. Personally, I think the curly maple is very nice.

 

[Roefisher]

Ah...woodies

You cannot go wrong with any wood. They are all fitted in the same way and have the same character. Chris Reeve himself has stated that he only picks usable, attractive timber. You can't get a straighter answer than that.

One thing I should tell you is that not all woods have the same feel. For instance, the Walnut has a very slick and polished feel to it, nearly like as if it was varnished. The Box Elder has a totally different feel - it is a lot more rawer feeling, like as if you had just sanded it with steel wool, or wet and dry paper. Of course both are equally smooth, but each has a unique manufactured difference.

This is simply down to wood density and grain. I would say, if anything,the rawer and duller feeling woods have a better grip.

It's all about taste and your own view of what's pretty.

Personally, I like any wood which shows the grain pattern proudly. Your choice of Curly maple is one of them

Mark