Dark Rich Wood

U

unky_gumbi

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Aug 28, 2009
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I am getting ready to start another project and I would like to use a dark rich brown, highly figured wood. I have searched my usual suspect to see what they had to offer and nothing has caught my eye yet so I am open to suggestions.

The knife in question is full tang and the handle flares out from 1" to 1.31". I had my eye on a nice set of Dessert Ironwood scales that looked like the grain would follow the flare and swoop of my handle but it is sold now:(

Any of the other Ironwood I have looked at just doesn't have the same grain quality to jump out at me so I am open to suggestions of types of wood that may suit my needs and wants for this knife.

Thanks
George
 
Walnut, Bubinga, and Black Mulga. I dont know what size you're looking for but here's a link for some nice Black Mulga. He also gives a description in case you've never heard of it. www.houseofburl.com he's a nice guy, doesn't mind answering questions, and his stuff is very accurately milled. Hope this helps.
 
George, There are some Ebony varieties out there that have some nice Brown tones with the typical Black... I think you can't beat Ironwood if you can find the right Pieces. Good Luck

.... Also there is a lot of nice Cocobolo out there, don't know if that is dark enough for what you are interested in.
 
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This is a rough render of what I have going
rough_dims.jpg


It is basically a full tang version of this one, but I want to dress it up a bit more.

DSC02214.jpg


I am getting and estimate on some engraving for the pommel and guard, both will be the same steel as the knife 13/64" thick 5160

Mike the Bubinga is nice, really like the look of the third set, but I am up in the frozen North, aka Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, shipping might be a touch high, but if nothing pops up between now and Friday I may take you up on some of it, thanks
 
Mike Turner said:
Sent you a PM, I have some killer Waterfall Bubinga and could spare a block.
Click to expand...

Wow... Just looked at your site Mike, I love your "Cable Damascus Hunter". George do you want the wood grain to follow the curve of the handle? Sounds like you are putting a lot of work into this project.
 
OK George just drop me a PM if I can help you out and I will check on shipping to your neck of the woods.


Thanks Ryan.
 
Yes I am thinking I would like the grain to follow the handle if possible.

Some one offered me the right money to make them one, but fancier. They liked the original and tried to buy it off the guy I gave it to and he wouldn't part with it. He did give him my number though and after a little discussion , this is what we came up with for the ground rules.
  • Same size as the original
  • Full tang
  • Dark brown wood scales
  • steel guard and pommel with brass spacers
  • 3-3/16 brass copper mosaic pins (actually have what he wants on hand)
  • Satin finish
  • Tooled Timber brown sheath (same color as the original, but what ever tooling I want to put on it I can)
  • Simple file work on the tang (alternating squares)
After that I am allowed to add a little artistic flare to it, hence the possibility of the engraving

I wrote up a quote for the work and set myself a budget for the job. He jumped on it and offered an extra $100 if he could have it in 2 months. This will be the first one that doesn't just pay for itself, it will actually put some money back into my pocket to reinvest in to supplies and tools.

Added
I get a non refundable deposit on Friday to cover the cost of materials and some of my time:thumbup:
 
Desert Ironwood - straight grain if you want the grain to follow the knife, burl if you want very nice figure.
 
What about some Ringed Gidgee from Mark at Burlesource, highly figured, dark brown with light amber contrasts and as hard as desert ironwood.
 
It all depends on if you have a source.;)

I have four 24" long blocks that were bought by Bill Moran in the 50's.They were tied together with twine,and still had the string shipping tag from a NY wood supplier.They all had been painted with white house paint and had Bill's address written on them.
At Bill's shop estate auction, they were sitting with the odds and ends and junk wood. I figured that if Bill had ordered them from NY, and kept them all that time, there must be something good under that ugly paint. I scraped some off and thought it looked like ebony, so I bought the bundle for $10. Only after I cut one up did I realize what I had.
In that same area, I bought a big box of cut-offs, and chunks of cut up wood. The bottom had lots of smaller pieces......that ended up being Bill's handle templates and about a dozen handle cutouts for ST-23's and ST-24's. I only paid $7 for that box.

I am currently making a Japanese inspired fillet knife with wooden sheath and handle from one.:D:D
It will be a gift to one of my best friends.
 
Robert Mayo said:
I still have these 4 block of walnut i bought from Don in this thread i would part with one if you are interested send me an email..
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620319&page=2

Bob
Click to expand...

I have several blocks from that same "batch" and I ain't giving 'em up!! :D
Seriously they really are gorgeous. Lots of other great ideas in this thread too.

Have you considered stabilized burls? There are a couple different BF members who sell nice stuff in darker tones, check 'em out.
 
I looked at all the stuff that Burl Source has on his web store and nothing grabbed me, that is where I had originally saw the Ironwood that I wanted for the knife. The other pieces he has there just don't pop the way the original one did, who ever got it got a nice piece of wood.

I just sent Robert an email:thumbup: and if worst comes to worst with getting him the funds I can just call up my brother and have him deliver the money and mail me the piece. Robert is less than 3 hours from my home town and less than 2 hours from where my brother lives:thumbup:

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and offers, but I think this one is taken care of now.
George
 
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