Arizona Ironwood

carbonsteel928

carbonsteel928

Joined
Feb 15, 2010
Messages
696
Have you guys ever used Arizona Ironwood in its natural form (without stabilizing) with adverse results? I have a few sets of scales that will go on smaller knives and would like to give them a try in their natural state to forego the two week wait on processing. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
I haven't used it for scales, but I made a billy club out of unstabilized arizona desert ironwood. Held up well to wood on wood contact. I haven't brought it to cold climates, so I don't know how it holds up against warping, if thats what you're worried about. Are you going to use glue and pins to secure it?
 
I've used quite a bit of Ironwood and have never had it stabilized. I don't think it needs it. It's a dense oily wood and I'm not sure it would take stabilization all that well to begin with. I would make sure that it's seasoned though (dry) and not green.
 
I have used a lot of ironwood. Never had it stabilized, never had a problem with it not stabilized.
 
My favorite. Desert ironwood will not benefit from stabilizing, as it is too oily and is naturally stable. However, it is wood and it will move. Make sure it is dry...like, years old is good. Fill any voids or cracks with ca. As I grind it, I inspect it often and fill any cracks or voids immediately with super thin ca. Finish it to a fine grit (800-1000) prior to light buffing. Over buffing will raise the grain.

Wear your respirator when you grind and run the exhaust, too. It can be an irritant and bothers some people terribly...to the point where some can't be around it at all. It might be carcinogenic. So far, it just makes me sneeze and get stuffed up.

Cheers!
Mike
 
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