Got wood? :)

T

Thrawn

Joined
Apr 24, 1999
Messages
282
If you opened this thread for interest in anything other than knives, shame on you.
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I asked about afermarket alterations earlier in the Blade discussion forum, and got some good answers there. Here's the deal: I have a CS Vietnam Tomahawk that I want to, or have someone else, redo into something that looks the furthest from what it originally looks like. That is, I want to get rid of its coating, mirror polish or satin finish it, grind off about 1/32" or 1/16 of each side, convert the rear spike to a hammer-type head, and get a new handle. Primarily, I'm concerned w/ the handle. I want a good one, but can't decide/figure out which wood to use. I'm really looking for a "curly" looking type. You know, like curly maple or Amboina or even flame maple (is that the right term?). Anyway, something w/ a swirly appearance. Arctic birch, I think, has the same appearance. Anyway, where would I get that kind of stuff, and just how expensive is it, and, finally, what would I use to finish it? Thanks in advance.

 
Amboina is going to be really expensive.
I would suggest using a piece of curly ash or curly maple. They are significantly less expensive.

You should be able to find an exotic wood dealer in your area. It would be best for you to go to dealer and pick it out yourself. This way you know what you are getting.

For finishing ash or maple, I sand it smooth (320-400 grit), then you can stain the wood ( I use Fiebing's leather dye). If the grain raises, you are going to have to resand and restain until the grain stops. Once the stain dries, you can coat the wood in linsead, tung or Danish oil. Use thin coats and apply it until it won't soak up anymore. If it becomes gummy and thick, take a piece of fine 0000 steel wool and rub it down.
Hope this helps.
 
Thanks, Phil. Amboina--where's it come from? Is it imported from Asia or Africa? It looks really good, though, so it's tempting. How much would a 18" piece w/ an approximate 2" diameter cost, you think? Also, how much would curly ash cost, and BTW, how would it stand up to the impact that a tomahawk suffers when chopping wood/kindling? And what does curly ash look like? I'm a newbie at this stuff, so I hope these questions aren't too annoying.
 
I have a piece of Amboina half the size you are looking for and it cost me $45.
I believe Amboina comes from the Cambodia region of the world.
Ash is used for ax and hammer handles. It will hold up better than Amboina. Curly Ash usually has a tiger stripe look to it. It looks much better than the regular Ash. If you find a lumber dealer in your area they should have a sample pack of woods that are used to help identify different varieties.
 
Ok, so if I wanted to see samples of woods, should I just look in a search engine, or is there a link here for stuff like that?

 
Thanks for the site info, Adler. However, that site didn't really have what I was looking for. So, folks, I'm still looking for a place where I can buy anything from Amboina to curly ash. Please feel free to suggest whatever sites would best serve this need, I'd appreciate.
 
The best web site I've run across for wood suppliers is at www.anexotichardwood.com lots of pictures and stuff.

James

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Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
 
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