Cedar handle scales?

[jgloveracob]

I'm still pretty new to knife making, I was wondering is cedar good for making handle scales, like strength and durability wise. What do you think?

 

[scarysharp]

problem with cedar is that it is relatively soft. It will get lots on dings and gouges.
thats just my 2 cents, I'm sure many of the pros will tell you more

 

[unit]

I like making things from cedar, but I generally find it to be a bit soft for permanent slabs. I have contemplated using screws to allow for swapping handles. Cedar would be easy to make into great slabs, but they would not hold up well under my use. Making new slabs once in a while will entertain my whims and I will always have something new to play with

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Maybe stabilized cedar? That might add some toughness/durability to it. Don't know if there are any pre-existing supplies of this, but might be able to find someone to do it for you.

Just an idea...

Edited to add:
My Google searches do seem to show some suppliers for stabilized cedar. Might look into that.

 

[Jethro80]

I'm making some cedar scales for a knife right now and I think they're going to turn out great I'll get some pics up when I'm done.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Cedar is a soft wood that is not generally acceptable for knife handles.
Stabilized cedar would be ok. Stabilized cotton balls would work, too.

 

[David Martin]

Bill, Thats funny . You been sipping the Egg Nog ? DM

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I would never dilute good booze with egg nog!

 

[jgloveracob]

Thanks for the help.