About 10 years ago I cut down a persimmon tree by mistake on some land I own. I brought several blocks to the house, sawed them into short boards, and stuck them under my work bench where they were forgotten. Several days ago I took a piece out and found they looked pretty good. I'd like to make some handle slabs out of some of it but I have some concerns that it's maybe too soft to withstand getting wet, wear and tear etc. I have no experience stabilizing wood. Does that actually strengthen it or just preserve it and what kind works best?
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gremlin
- Thread starter gremlin
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- Nov 10, 2011
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persimmon is one of the hardest woods grown in US. it used to be used to make golf clubs called woods. use carbide tools and take your time cutting and drilling. i would finish the handles with something like Fornby's Tung Oil or Watco Danish Oil finish. be careful of the dust, some folks are allergic. here is a good reference for all woods http://www.wood-database.com/
scott
scott
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Soft??? I wouldn't ever call persimmon soft. It is the American species of ebony. Maybe you have some sapwood, which is softer than the heart wood.
I have it stabilized and it makes a really rugged handle. Great for camp knives. I think it looks better after stabilizing. The colors get bolder.
I have it stabilized and it makes a really rugged handle. Great for camp knives. I think it looks better after stabilizing. The colors get bolder.