buying wood handle material in bulk?

[ScottRoush]

I usually buy my maple burl woods in big blocks from Woodcraft for real cheap. I would like to do the same the with something like Indian rosewood, ebony, or blackwood, etc. Does anybody have a good source for larger pieces that will provide lots of scales that I can cut myself???

Thanks!

 

[Larry D. Davis]

Do a google seach on any of those woods and many wood dealers will come up.

 

[ScottRoush]

I did... but sometimes folks have their little nuggets to share.

 

[cpirtle]

Best kept secret in Ohio but shipping may be steep: Keim Lumber

Have also ordered quite a bit from West Penn. Good detailed pictures of each exotic board, one of the best places in the country to get genuine Lignum Vitae: West Penn

 

[Hengelo_77]

I've gotten some nice stuff off ebay
Don't search for 'knife blocks' or 'knife scales' search for 'turning wood' 'blanks' or 'lumber'
They are larger and will cut into a few block/scales

 

[tattooedfreak]

There are a couple places in Canada that have turning blocks and lumber but have you asked Mark at Burl source?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Gilmer Exotic Woods is one of the biggest importers in the USA. Miles Gilmer is a good chap. You can look at much of the wood online and purchase from there, or call and tell them what you want. They are always running specials,too.
Their $100 minimum is quick to meet.
http://www.gilmerwood.com/

 

[Patrickknives]

See if there are local suppliers of exotic woods, mostly for wood turning, alot of odd shaped blocks are discounted but you can but several sets of scales.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Woodworkers trash can be out treasure

 

[Tom Lewis]

If you can, go to a woodturners symposium. They have the same kind of wood knifemakers use, but a lot cheaper.

 

[cdent]

I'd look for hardwood retailer or hardwood lumber companies in the phone book. I've picked up a little wood by mail, but it's rarely a price or top quality deal, for me. I think woodcraft is on the expensive side to buy wood, but if you have one near by then chances are there'll be hardwood dealers around.

I also would look ahead to trips you might be taking to bigger city areas and plan side trips to hardwood dealers that you might check with ahead of time to see if they might have stuff you're interested in. You might rather see the wood in person, and I think cutting it yourself gives you the chance for prime pieces rather than maximum yeild.

Good luck with the hunt, Craig