Cocobolo for EDC?

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There is a GEC 66 that has caught my eye. The scales are cocobolo wood. In doing some research on this wood, I have come across several articles on this wood causing allergic reactions and also darkening with age/use.

I love wood scales and have no experience with this wood. Anyone EDC cocobolo for any length of time? Your thoughts on it compared to ebony? Much obliged before I take the plunge.
 
I have an A G Russell gunstock in cocobolo that I have carried quite a bit. No allergic reactions from me, and I have quite a few allergies to begin with. I would think that if someone had allergies to cocobolo wood oil they could seal the wood in Ren Wax. The wood is durable and has not exhibited scratches or any visible wear. Nor has it darkened, yet. I think its a lot like ebony in that it is an ideal EDC wood.
 
The allergic reactions come from working the wood, creating dust that leeches oil and settles onto/into your skin - I made cocobolo handles for my Izula, and I didn't happen to have a reaction, because I kept my hands and forearms covered as well as had a nice vaccuum setup. but i have met several people who have told me some pretty gnarly stories, of a red itchy rash similar to poison ivy but with a shorter durration - As you can see mine started out super vibrant, but it has since turned near black! though i think i may have used the wrong oil when i finished the scales.

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May not be the best comparison with cocobolo used on knives, but the cocobolo grip on my revolver has darkened some over the years. Interestingly, the darkening has taken place on the side of the grip that is next to my body. This all stainless revolver is often my choice when I am outside working and I know I will be getting very sweaty.

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I have worked with cocobolo (and fortunately had no reaction) and I have a number of knives and other articles made from cocobolo. The allergic reaction is only when you are working it and being exposed to the dust.

Cocobolo is beautiful wood when fresh, but with use it darkens significantly.
 
I like cocobolo better when it darkens. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I'm not a big fan of its orange color when new.

- Christian
 
Minwax will bring back cocobolo that has darkened. I had a lot of knives with cocobolo, custom and production, and they darkened pretty quickly, but I produce a lot of oils. No problems from them, not unless you count buying more knives as an allergic reaction. Queens, Gossman customs, other customs. Lots of cocobolo over time. I have cocobolo on some models that I really beat on, and they have held up. Factor in that I live near the Chesapeake bay, and for the wear and tear on these handles, I'm doing pretty good.
 
I believe that 7% of the population is allergic to some extant to the dust produced when cocobolo is ground. Just walking into a room where cocobolo was processed months before caused Lloyd Hale to swell up to the point he had to be taken to the hospital. Some folks just develop a rash that soon goes away. This has been really rare in my life in the knife business, except when Lloyd was my knifemaker I have used cocobolo for 50 years.
 
Coco is of course, a very traditional handle material, see the old catalogues. It's durable alright.

I wonder if the colour&grain varies according to source? Similar to African or Asian Ebony?

I agree with Christian, much prfer the darkened version, new stuff can be a bit bright!

Thanks, Will
 
I find cocobolo wears very well, similar to ebony. It's a solid choice for an everyday knife. This old Camillus jack I got recently is cocobolo as best I can tell and while it probably hasn't seen too much use over its life up until now the wood has barely any checks or shrinkage after maybe 70 years.

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Thanks everyone! I went ahead and picked up the Calf Roper. The cocobolo is beautiful. And Nate--I absolutely LOVE that Camillus. If I were you, I'd carry it forever.
 
I saw the picture of the Calf Roper in the other thread and it's a honey of a knife. Nice get.

I am carrying the Camillus and it's been great so far. We just had our one week anniversary. ;)
 
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