Does this burl need stabilizing?

[Eriksen]

I recently got this large birch burl, but when I cut it into slices, I discovered that it was quite dry and porous inside as pictures 2 and 3 show. Does this mean that it is useless as shaft blanks as it is, and that it must be stabilized?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Yes, it should be stabilized. I would cut it into large blocks and have them stabilized. Then cut scales from the stabilized blocks.

 

[Cushing H.]

Yes, it should be stabilized. I would cut it into large blocks and have them stabilized. Then cut scales from the stabilized blocks.

I think also that when sanded to shape on a handle, exposed (unfilled) voids get filled with thin CA glue, right Stacy?

nice looking burl.

 

[Pinoy Knife]

id say stabilize it. from the looks of the cut section it is not quite dense enough on its own for a handle.
id check the moisture level ,cherry pick the best of it and have it stabilized at K&G .. you might fall in love with what you get back
slight color change and the woods "Personality" showing itself.. plus the wood will not move around too much after it is done..
you should not have to "Super Glue" it unless there is a void after it is stabilized (usually from bark/rot/ etc)

 

[Tom Lewis]

That looks a lot like the buckeye burl I send to K&G for stabilizing. Yes, have it stabilized.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I think also that when sanded to shape on a handle, exposed (unfilled) voids get filled with thin CA glue, right Stacy?

nice looking burl.

Yes.