Finishing stabilized birdseye maple?

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
5,786
I am working on a mini-Santoku kitchen knife and was thinking of using some stabilized birdseye maple I got in trade from A.T. Barr. I have never worked with maple of any kind before, much less stabilized, but it seems to me that the stabilization would cause finishes not too soak in. I know I won't have to oil it or anything, but what is the best way to bring the pattern out?

------------------
Steve Agocs, D.C.
http://www.geocities.com/Chiro75/frames.html


agocs_s@hotmail.com
 
Hey Steve, hows the joint poppin business treatin you?? Best way to finish the maple would be the old fashioned way, hand sand thru about 1200 grit. It'll bring out all the color and figures in the wood. Works especially well on desert iron wood.

------------------
Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
Steve-

The polymer used to stabilize it will bring the pattern out with a high grit finish. Depending on the particular piece, either buffing, or leaving at a high grit will leave you with a very nice finish.

It won't take oil.

Good luck,
Nick
 
L6, I'm currently working in the receiving department at Barnes & Noble here. I am very close to having abusiness proposal done and then it'll be time to hit the banks for money.

The maple took a pretty nice finish with sanding to 400, followed by rubbing with red, green, and white Scotchbrite. I don't think the wood is stabilized as I had originally thought. I think I got mixed up with what I had in stock. The grain raised a little bit after washing it the first time, and I don't think that happens with stabilized woods. I know that stabilized stuff takes a nice finish from when I've used pakkawood and other synthetics. Anyway, the knife looks good although it is very rustic looking and rough. It seems to surpass Spyderco's factory edge in the sharpness department, so I am very pround of that! This knife is a first for me for a couple reasons:
1) I can see a temper line
2) It's what I consider a regular using size
3) It's VERY sharp (my others were so-so).
The wife reported that the spine is too sharp and hurts her finger, so I'll have to round it off a bit more. After that, I'll start another one, of course!

------------------
Steve Agocs, D.C.
http://www.geocities.com/Chiro75/frames.html


agocs_s@hotmail.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top