"Best Quality Ironwood" ?

[i4Marc]

I'll be asking in Shop Talk, but because there are a lot of top level makers and collectors here I'll pose the question here too.

I received a request for a Bowie knife with a "best quality Ironwood Burl" handle. I have not worked with Ironwood yet. I asked him what he considers "best quality" but I am waiting for his response. For my own edification, could you users and collectors of Ironwood handled blades please show examples of what you consider "best quality" and explain a bit what it is that makes it so? I spoke with a well known dealer at a show one time who advised me to use lighter grain as it will darken over time. Is this a valid concern? Anything I should look for or stay away from? Also, Ironwood burl can be linear in grain direction or convoluted or ringed within the description of Ironwood Burl. Does it matter or would you stay with the swirlier pieces if "burl" was requested?

Thanks

 

[Steven65]

I'll be asking in Shop Talk, but because there are a lot of top level makers and collectors here I'll pose the question here too.

I received a request for a Bowie knife with a "best quality Ironwood Burl" handle. I have not worked with Ironwood yet. I asked him what he considers "best quality" but I am waiting for his response. For my own edification, could you users and collectors of Ironwood handled blades please show examples of what you consider "best quality" and explain a bit what it is that makes it so? I spoke with a well known dealer at a show one time who advised me to use lighter grain as it will darken over time. Is this a valid concern? Anything I should look for or stay away from? Also, Ironwood burl can be linear in grain direction or convoluted or ringed within the description of Ironwood Burl. Does it matter or would you stay with the swirlier pieces if "burl" was requested?

Thanks

Personally I prefer lighter pieces of wood as DI tends to darken fairly substantially over time.
After two years or so it will be apparent and if you started with a darker piece, you can expect it to begin to loose is figure even quicker.

This is a set of light slabs with great figure after about 8 years.

 

[i4Marc]

Thank you for that, Steven. It's amazing how much darker it gets.

 

[TK Steingass]

What I consider best quality Desert Ironwood Burl is a light background with dark, distinct marble cake swirls. Here are what I consider, good, better, and best grades. And yes, it does darken substantially through use. The final picture is my nine year old Desert Ironwood Burl "better grade" 52100 Chef knife. As you can see, the handle has darkened to the point where the wood looks like a POS railroad tie. Over the years I would ask clients if the knife was to be a safe queen or a user. I would recommend a beautiful piece of Desert Ironwood Burl for a safe queen and a different stabilized wood for a user. YMMV

GOOD GRADE



BETTER GRADE



BEST GRADE



MEDIUM GRADE AFTER NINE YEARS USE

 

[d762nato]

Beautiful wood Tim very nice blades their attached to also.

 

[Steven65]

Thank you for that, Steven. It's amazing how much darker it gets.

Indeed. I no longer buy DI for that reason.
I have a Loveless design Hideaway that Howard Hitchmough made me in the late '80's with DI. The scales are now almost purple black.

Below are three knives made by Neill Schutte from the same piece of stabilised burl. These are just as nice and will maintain their figure and colour longer than I will be on the planet! It just seems way more practical.

 

[JackHammer]

My ZT in ironwood new, and 5 years later.

 

[i4Marc]

Thanks for the examples fellas. As I said, the Desert Ironwood is the customer's request. I suggested he buy the block of wood and send it to me. I would think he'd be aware of the darkening you guys have highlighted but I'll discuss it with him just in case.

 

[Richard338]

Thanks for the examples fellas. As I said, the Desert Ironwood is the customer's request. I suggested he buy the block of wood and send it to me. I would think he'd be aware of the darkening you guys have highlighted but I'll discuss it with him just in case.

Absolutely discuss it and show him examples if necessary. My guess is this will be news.