Birch for scales or handle

[grumpy_grinder]

I've done a Google search and can't find any info on birch. no one seems to stabilize it for scales and no one seems to use it for handle or scales. I found lots of information on birch bark handles but it's not what I'm looking for. Being a hard wood it seems that white or yellow birch would make an adequate tough handle or set of scales.

Just looking to see what you guys think before making a pair of scales.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Spalted birch and masur birch are very popular for Puukko and Nordic knives. I like it for any small knife handle. Plain birch might be a bit ... plain ... but it should stabilize well.

 

[Burl Source]

My experience has been that Birch stabilizes very nicely.
Good weight gain and takes on a nice amber color when stabilized.
I used K&G for the birch I had done and was very happy with the results.

 

[timos-]

that karelian birch was absolutely amazing.

 

[n7titan]

Birch stabilizes well! I've had it on my Esee for a good while now without issue. I dropped the knife (sheathed) a few times and there's not much in regards to denting.
I do agree it's a bit plain and plan to replace it eventually.

Here's what it looked like new

And now

 

[grumpy_grinder]

Birch stabilizes well! I've had it on my Esee for a good while now without issue. I dropped the knife (sheathed) a few times and there's not much in regards to denting.
I do agree it's a bit plain and plan to replace it eventually.

Here's what it looked like new

And now

that looks good , did you stabilize yourself? I found some birch with lots of curls in it. I'll take a pic of it tomorrow, i'm anxious to try it out.

 

[Burl Source]

Here is an old photo of Karelian Birch I had stabilized a couple years ago.

 

[n7titan]

No, it was store bought.

Birch has a fine, uniform grain structure that makes it easy to work with. I spent a lazy afternoon going back and forth between burnishing and superfine polishing paper before sealing with danish oil. If it ever gets dirty looking I just grab some denim rags and hit it again with the oil, 10-15 min every 5 months or so. It can be rubbed to a shiny polish if you want. Fun weekend project.

Here's the dent from dropping it, maybe 5 ft onto concrete.

 

[grumpy_grinder]

Here is an old photo of Karelian Birch I had stabilized a couple years ago.

that looks really good , you stabilize wood professionaly mark?