handle material question

T

ttank0789

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Dec 13, 2012
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I'm new to knife making and I'm wondering what woods are suitable for making handles. I know I need something hard. I like the look of red cedar, red oak, cherry, black walnut, osage orange, and some others. Will those work? What are some other good choices? Thanks!
 
There are many good choices from the knife supply companies. What I would like to stress is what I learned the hard way. Do not use woods that are not stabilized. I found a source of exotic woods that I could buy as samples for large furniture projects for $5.00. more than enough for 2 scales. The problem was the wood would shrink and leave the tang a little proud. It's worth the money to buy quality woods.
 
Hardwoods are your best bet for longevity and lack of movement. Knife handles are great showplaces for little pieces of burl, curl, or other highly figured woods and stabilizing is a great technology to apply to knives.

There are some handle materials that are better suited for some knife styles, but that said, make whatever tickles your gizzard! :)

my $.02
 
many hard woods make good handles.
Stabilising is good but many woods can be used as is. They have been for hundereds of years.
Making a hidden tang takes away the problem of a proud spine.
Just have a look what is on offer in the knife making supplie stores or type in "knife making" on ebay
 
For practice and learning stabilized woods can be a bit spendy.
My suggestion would be to practice with cheap hardwoods until you get good at shaping and finishing.
Then move on to the stabilized and fancier woods.

If you can get some kiln dried maple, it is an easy wood to learn with and it is inexpensive.
Be sure to do a good finish with natural wood to help limit movement in the wood.
A danish oil finish (several light coats) works well.
 
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