hickory for handles?

[rjudoka]

I was curious if anyone has used hickory and more importantly, if there is any reason not to. It would seem to be strong enough since its used for axes, mauls and what have you. I know its not the prettiest wood but I'm just looking for a handle for a beater knife for work.
thanks, Rick

 

[John Andrews]

Rick, yup, I think the hickory would make a good handle. You can tour the inside for sale wood at Menard's and sometimes find some really nice looking hickory. My son gave me some really good looking crotch grain hickory several years ago that came from that source. It was just under an inch in thickness but is of course classed as the 1" stock, and was sanded pretty smooth.

 

[Wild Rose]

Example: Old Hickory Knives (not actually a brand the marque was used by something like six different knifemaking companies including Ontario Knife Works) used/uses hickory grips (mostly slabs)

Anyway pretty plain jane when just using the straight grain, but I've had crotch grain that was as pretty as maple or flame grain oak. It is tough as nails - most of the old time home butcher knives use/used it and I've seen a bunch that have gone through dishwashers beaucoup times with not real damage other than drying out.

My $.02 worth anyway - makes a good very tough grip.