aging handle materials

[John Frankl]

Hello,

My brother just got me lots of two good handle materials--black walnut that he cut from his yard, and an elk rack that he got from a friend. Both are only a couple of weeks old. I am wondering how to store and age them properly for use as knife handles. The walnut is now in log form and the elk rack is fully intact. Do I cut these things into smaller pieces, leave them as they are, etc.?

Also, what is the best place to get 1/4" and thicker nickel silver and brass for guards?

Thanks,

John

 

[B . Buxton]

John,

The elk rack, I would leave whole and hang it in a good dry place, rafters in my shed would be a good place. They claim it will take a year or better for them to dry and then they should be stabilized in something before using, you probably could cut a piece the size you want for a handle and stick it in a food dehydrator for a few days,but time is the best for seasoning material. As for the walnut, rip it into 1" or so thick boards and paint the ends with heavy motor oil or hot wax, then stack in a good dry place with real good ventalation , leaving an inch or so space between the boards, let dry 1 year for each inch of thickness, the painting of the ends will help keep the ends from drying faster then the rest of the board and cracking. Then stabilize and use.
I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but unless you give it time it will do a lot of funny things as it drys, and shrinking away from a guard or pommel or tang that you've spent alot of time on, isn't funny.

Bill

 

[peter nap]

Ditto what Bill said. Time is the BEST way. There are all kinds of shortcuts but none as good as good old fashioned time. Most of us are always putting things away to season.

 

[C L Wilkins]

One other thing about the elk rack. Rodents love 'em. If there are mice, rats or raccoons that frequent your shed, don't put 'em there.
My hellhound also likes to chew on them if left unattended. He also likes giraffe bone but that's another story..

C Wilkins