Ebony vs. African Black For Natural Stabil. (question)

R

rlinger

Joined
Mar 29, 2002
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Got some Ebony and wanting to cut liners and spacers from it. Would I be better advised to get some African Black wood so far as chances of swelling caused by moister is concerned?? I will be butting tusk ivory to this wood. I guess that doesn't make any difference but thought I better mention it. P.S., the knife is not expected to be used or kept in a abnormally damp invironment.

Thanks. RL
 
Many knifemakers have told me that African Blackwood is less likely to crack.
 
I love african blackwood, and have some users that I've had for ten years or so and no problems at all. I have a question....does the best african blackwood all black or have streaks in it?
Thanks!
 
The only downside of African blackwood is cost. In the last three years the cost has almost tripled compared to ebony. A knifemaker friend said increased cost is worth it.

I think the best African blackwood is birdseye. I just bought a piece measuring 2"x2"x24". The cost of the piece was over $300.:eek:
 
RL, I've always had better luck with blackwood than the ebony. I've even bought ebony that was suppossed to stabalized and couldn't tell any difference in it and not. Both smelled the same, there was no plastic smell to it. It even had a crack in it.

Hey Chuck, thats a spendy piece of wood. Sure glad you like it.
 
Thanks guys. It seems all like the blackwood best of the two. The question I originally posted had to do with making liners and spacers, which was not directly responded to but I take it from the overwhelming responce it makes little difference what the wood is to be used as. I would go with linen base micarta except that the more I work with natural materials, such as the ivory associated with this one, the more I feel 'if it don't grow it don't go'. Just another bit of stubborness of mine that may be right or may be wrong. I'll buy some African blackwood. And, thanks.

RL
 
Originally posted by berettaman12000
I love african blackwood, and have some users that I've had for ten years or so and no problems at all. I have a question....does the best african blackwood all black or have streaks in it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I don't know about "best", but it is not uncommon for it to have lighter streaks.
If you needed solid, you could always ask the supplier to hand pick it for you. :)
 
Thanks MIke! I had ordered a custom that was supposed to have exhibition blackwood, so I'm thinking that it does have streaks. It is really beautiful either way, though my personal preference is solid black.
 
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