Fixed blade - knife handle - Cocobolo or Ebony?

[kokkionglow]

I come across some fixed blade knives specially those hunter / utility types that comes with various version of knife handles at the same price , Cocobolo or Ebony.

I am not using the knife for cutting or chopping, so the wood cracking under abuse does not come into picture.

How does Cocobolo or Ebony perform in dimension stability over long period of time (could be 20-30years)?

In terms of knife collecting value, which is a better investment?

Will the Cocobolo version outperform the Ebony version, everything being equal?

Please share your views here. Thanks

 

[PB Wilson]

The ebony I've used in different woodworking applications (mostly Gabon ebony) has been a bit less dimensionally stable than the cocobolo I've used. Macassar ebony seemed to be more stable though. It's common for ebony fretboards on guitars to shrink in the colder/drier months and leave fret ends sticking out and the pieces are approximately the same thickness between a fretboard and a knife scale. I've also seen more ebony cracking than cocobolo.

On smaller projects like handle scales, it might not make much of a difference. They are both hard woods and look awesome. For collecting, I don't know which would be better but if you take reasonable care of your knife, either one should outlast you.

 

[Bob W]

From an aesthetics standpoint, I'd prefer cocobolo on a larger knife where the grain and colors will be more prominent and give the illusion of depth; a large slab of ebony would look 'flat'.

Your own personal preference should be the deciding factor. The knife's style, size, and materials (brass vs nickel-silver fittings, for example) could also be taken into consideration.

 

[Mikael W]

Both Cocobolo and Ebony are first class wood for knifehandles.

The appearance will vary from piece to piece, so it is best to choose from what looks best on the actual knives.

Regards

Mikael

 

[Minibear464]

I agree with Bob. Ebony almost looks painted black, while cocobolo has a really nice grain that gives the wood more character, in my opinion.

 

[T.L.]

I am not using the knife for cutting or chopping,

Will the Cocobolo version outperform the Ebony version, everything being equal?

If you're not cutting or chopping I can't imagine where performance comes into the equation..but I think Ebony is more tough while Cocabolo is more attractive.

It seems to me it comes down to which one looks better to you..


Just wondering, any chance the two knives you're looking at are the Buck 119 and Buck 119 Special? Because the Buck 119 is phenolic not ebony.