Black Locust wood...

[Guy Thomas]

I was given piece of quartersawn black locust. It is extremely hard and dense. Any suggestion on suitability for knife handles and finishing?-Guy Thomas

 

[Disco Stu]

Don't ask me, that's what I burn in the wood stove.

 

[mikeS]

I think it is a very stable wood. Sat on This Old House, the opening shot was on board Old Ironsides, part of the railing was black locust, ought to work for handles.

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Sola Fide

 

[amalgam]

Not knife-related, but locust was preferred for fence posts in some areas. Long lasting. Some of our fence posts sprouted and grew.

 

[ohoisin]

not related but it is also called ironwood due to its dense strong stucture, i have a 6 foot staff made from the limb of such a tree. it is quite strong.

 

[Paracelsus]

Black locust is a very attractive wood with wild grain and great color contrasts. Very hard and dense. I would think it would make great knife handles.

Paracelsus

 

[Jake Evans]

Anyone know any sources for black locust in scale/block sizes? Might be interesting to try.

Jake