Ancient Bog Oak

[driezeinaz]

Hey folks. I am working on my first axe and am considering Bog Oak for the handle scales. I have never worked with it before and am looking for any feedback on workability, etc... I am not necessarily stuck on using it, but want something akin to that. Dark wood, something that has some history to it, etc...open to other suggestions.

I plan on using brass for a bolster and for the transitions in the handle itself. The Bog Oak I have seen is pretty pricey too. This is a build for fun, not a client, so would like to keep costs moderate.

James
West Bench Blades
Riverton, UT

View attachment 605855

 

[butcher_block]

i have mine stablized and its my black wood of choice but sure is not cheap. being able to tal a buyer the wood is over 6400 years old is cool tho

 

[driezeinaz]

i have mine stablized and its my black wood of choice but sure is not cheap. being able to tal a buyer the wood is over 6400 years old is cool tho

Thanks. The history part is really cool, so I am thinkin seriously about it. The only block I can find is $75 though. For just a fun project, that's a little steep!

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

I'd use African blackwood if it was for personal use.

 

[driezeinaz]

Thanks. I've never worked with African Blackwood, but I understand it is pretty dense, so could be a good alternative.

 

[Greenberg Woods]

Ebony for me. Nothing darker than good gaboon ebony.

 

[driezeinaz]

Ebony for me. Nothing darker than good gaboon ebony.[/QUOT

Thanks.

 

[Brock Cutlery]

Macassar Ebony if you want a little figure to your dark wood. I really like it. I haven't tried bog oak though. It looks pretty cool.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I work a lot of bog oak. I would recommend using African Blackwood for your project.

Bog oak is a bit brittle.

 

[Willie71]

Wenge is a decent substitution for bog oak. Especially if you can get stabilized pieces.

 

[timos-]

agree, wenge would look killer on that axe!