Anyone into Osage Orange/Bois D'Arc handles?

[InSpectre Gadget]

I've been looking at some Osage Orange (Bois D'Arc) handled knives recently, and was wondering if anyone knew of any makers out there making lockback folders handled in this wood.
Additionally, I'd be interested to hear anyone's opinions/factoids on the material as far as longevity, sturdiness, tendency to crack, porousness and eagerness to absorb fluids, etc.
I know it looks beautiful, and having spent my fair share of time in Texas, it holds a great deal of mystique for me. I'm just wondering what the critics and the fans have to say.
Feel free to post pics if you find a brand or just want to show yours off. I'd be interested to learn of more manufacturers/makers producing these kinds of knives, as I only know of three at the moment. No Fixed Blades, Please...

What I'd REALLY like to get out of this is a lead on a full-sized Toenail/Sunfish.

Cheers!
-G

 

[Sonnemann]

GEC has made some with this wood, most recently the 81 Abilene Stockman but also a single blade 85 SFO. I gave my brother a small knife handled with Osage Orange (fixed blade) and he uses it in the kitchen mostly. It struck me as a hard, dense, oily wood similar in feel to Lignum Vitae, although technically it is about half as hard on the Janka scale. Harder than Bubinga, not quite as hard as mesquite. Seemed quite impervious to water but that is only anecdotal; also, I had waxed the scales with paste wax as I usually do with wood.

You may have to go a custom route to get what you're looking for in the sunfish. Or you could have someone make up some osage scales for a lockback with removable scales like some of the Lionsteel traditionals. It would probably be cheapest to get a Buck knife rescaled in osage, but that doesn't sound like what you want. Happy hunting though, it is a great wood choice.

 

[MarkPinTx]

Interesting that it's harder than mesquite. Bois DArc is hard, nasty, sappy stuff. I suspect properly cured it would make a pretty hardy scale.

 

[JAlexander]

It makes good fence posts, I know that for sure. It also makes great handles, although I prefer look of the aged bois d'arc (or bodark, as we say around here).

 

[InSpectre Gadget]

Many thanks, Sonnemann.
What makers are notorious for their Sunfish patterns around here?
And where would I go to get a buck knife rescaled?

Great ideas and great info! Thank you!

 

[knarfeng]

What makers are notorious for their Sunfish patterns around here?

A good place to start might be to look at knives which are for sale and find a maker who's style interests you.
Forum > The Knife Exchange > KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale > For Sale: Folders
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/753-For-Sale-Folders

And where would I go to get a buck knife rescaled?

Post what you are seeking in this forum:
Forum > The Knife Exchange > KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale > Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/871-Wanted-Knifemaker-Craftsman-Related-Services

 

[mykel m]

Many thanks, Sonnemann.
What makers are notorious for their Sunfish patterns around here?
And where would I go to get a buck knife rescaled?

Great ideas and great info! Thank you!

John Kiedaisch of JK Hand Made Knives here on BF re-handles Buck 110s & has some Osage on hand IIRC.(he's done a few fixed blades in it lately)
You can find him in the Knife Makers discussion forums.

Love Osage & the way it ages BTW.

 

[InSpectre Gadget]

Thank you, Mykel.



Knarfeng: I didn't do that because I'm not shopping for one quite yet, and am more interested in looking right now. That's why I encouraged others to post pics. These are recommendation requests, which I believe are more general discussion, but thanks for the help. I can see why you would read the OP that way though. I'll edit it asap.

 

[puukkoman]

Osage orange is a great wood for bow-making. The man who taught me that craft is very fond of it, for its resiliency, flexibility, and resistance to the elements. As far as knife handles are concerned, I like the way it looks, and it should hold up great.

 

[Thomason]

Lucas Bullington of Lucas Forge made this one. Looks even better in person. My letter to Santa Claus had a wish for one one of those GEC stockman on it. I've been a pretty good boy his year so we shall see.