Cheap, stabilized wood?

S

seionage

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Oct 3, 2010
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Anyone know where I can get some cheap, stabilized wood for octagon kitchen knives? Really don't care about the look, as much as I do it being stabilized, so I can practice.

What are the minimum dimensions I would need for a kitchen knife (Japanese style) handle?

Thanks!
 
The dimensions will change with the different types of knives.
Anything from 1 x 1 x 5 up to 1&1/4 x 2 x 6.
If you just need wood for practice that might end up as a permanent handle, just buy some hard maple.
Then when you get good you can think about stabilized wood. I suggest sticking with wood that has been stabilized by K&G (my preference) or some like WSSI.
Cost per block can range from about $25 to $100+
 
Pick two hard and contrasting woods. hard maple and walnut are good practice woods...and will be fine if the knife turns out well. Once you have made a few wa handles, you can decide on stabilized woods. To keep the look standard, use things like stabilized maple, holly, curly hickory, etc. and a dark wood like ebony or African blackwood for the handles.

One good thing about wa handles is they can be changed fairly easily.

Tip:
Make the handle a rectangle until all the fitting is done. Then remove the handle and add the corner facets.
 
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