Anybody uses Yew wood for handles?

[Patrice Lemée]

I've seen a couple of knives done with it and it looks great.
Does anyone use it and should it be stabilized?

Thanks

 

[Boatbuilder]

Patrice
I have used Yew wood and it is plain but beautiful. I stabilized mine but not sure it was required. I am definatly going to try to pick up some more while in B.C. this summer.

Jim

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks Jim. I'll definitely put it on my "to try" list. :thumbup:

 

[PeterB]

I have some with beautiful burl. It is stabilized and will be made into 1911 grips this week.

 

[Makermook]

I haven't used Yew, but I like to use Osage Orange. I suppose they would be similar in terms of structure and strength because they are apparently the top 2 woods for making bows.

I don't stabilize the Osage Orange, I just apply several coats of tung oil. Thus far, the handles I've made with it have held up without checking or cracking.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks MakerM.
Peter, you HAVE to post pics now.:thumbup: