Black Ash Hunter

[Karl B. Andersen]

I've really been trying to pinpoint a year, but somewhere around '94-'97 I was a member of a Traditional Archery club and we were having a 3-D shoot at our local county fair grounds along a river bottom.
While going from target to target, I found this log about 10 feet long and maybe 7-8 inches in diameter. I couldn't help but try to pick it up and it seemed like it weighed a ton. I brought it home with me and had intentions of cutting it up and having it incorporated into a new riser on one of my new bows.
It never happened.
So, a few years ago I cut it up into blocks and stashed them in the ceiling of the shop where they've been drying. I sent them out a few months back to have them stabilized.
This is one of those blocks.
It has some very unique character and striations that I just don't see in many of the "exotic" woods we use so often.
The blade was forged down from my heavy 5160 stock and the take-down fittings are stainless steel.
I'll be taking this to the United Bowhunters of Illinois annual banquet this weekend where I have a table.
Thanks for letting me share.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Karl, Whats the difference between regular ash and black ash? Good looking knife as usual!

 

[mete]

Here's my modified Fallkniven TK-1 with black ash burl ! http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=588053 post # 12

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Karl, Whats the difference between regular ash and black ash? Good looking knife as usual!

Ray, the black ash is found mostly in swampy areas in the eastern portion of the US.
That may be why I found down in a river bottom.
And, it's kind of small.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Here's my modified Fallkniven TK-1 with black ash burl ! http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=588053 post # 12

Cool, Mete!
I have three more of these blocks and more to send off.
This was an experiment in using the material and I think it was a success.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Ray, the black ash is found mostly in swampy areas in the eastern portion of the US.
That may be why I found down in a river bottom.
And, it's kind of small.

Karl, Thanks for the explanation. Before I saw the picture of your latest knife I was expecting to see a darker piece of wood.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Gotcha.
I know what you mean.
Why is South Dakota "north" of me?
And, why is West Virginia "east' of me?
And, why isn't Black Ash "black"!??!

 

[jackrabbitslim]

It may not be black but it's a striking piece of wood all the same. Nice one.

Gavin

 

[Milt]

Many years ago my Dad, rest his soul, brought me a load of beaver dam ash to burn for heat. When you dropped a piece of it on the concrete floor, it went "ping." The stuff burned incredibly hot. My dad used to say everybody needs a little ash now and then. Very lovely knife, Karl!

Milt

 

[T. Hendrickson]

That wood is really nice looking, it almost looks like a piece of ancient ivory.

 

[fitzo]

Nice character in that wood, Karl! Great find.

 

[birdog4]

Lookin' good Karl. You ever find any of that which is curly or quilted?

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Lookin' good Karl. You ever find any of that which is curly or quilted?

Nope.

 

[Dixieblade57]

Daaaaaaaaaang that's awsome. It kinda looks like bone when you first look at. Can I ask how it is finished and what kind of sealer you have on it.
I really like that!

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

Daaaaaaaaaang that's awsome. It kinda looks like bone when you first look at. Can I ask how it is finished and what kind of sealer you have on it.
I really like that!

It's ben professionaly stabilized and requires little to no care.
However, I did put on two coats of Birchwood Casey's Gunstock Wax.