Desert Ironwood Scales

[Josh K]

I've got an offer on some desert ironwood scales. I'm planning on getting 4 knives in a matching set, same scales and sheaths.

Knowing nothing about what the expected quality is for scales, I'd like some opinions on these. I attached some pictures.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

 

[JasonSCarter]

Very nice!

 

[logem]

The burl in those pieces look nice, but all the ironwood that I have purchased have been devoid of cracks, like what appears to be on all of the pieces you have shown.

Take a look a ebay and search for "ironwood scale". You can get a good idea of what the most desired pieces look like by searching completed auctions to find the highest priced pieces.

Good luck,

Mike L

 

[firebert]

Excellent figure in those.

Most desert ironwood has cracks and other defects. You see defects most often when you look at mill-run material and not just knife scales. It's not desirable, but it's not unusual. It looks like numbers 2 and 4 were cut very close to the bark. This is the reason for the holes. If you fill the defects with high-quality epoxy or CA, you will end up with excellent handles.

 

[Thin Lizzy81]

Looks beautiful for scales:thumbup:

 

[David Loukides]

Hi Josh,
I feel a picture is worth a thousand words.
http://www.arizonaironwood.com/ironwood knive scales.htm
With this picture you can make a informed decision.
Good Luck!!!!