Holly Handles

[Waddie]

I was given a piece of Holly a couple of years ago, and have gotten around to thinking of trying it as a handle material. Has anyone used it? Did you like the finished result? Does it need to be stabilized?

Thanks,

Geoff

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Holly is the ivory of woods.I have it stabilized,and it will take an amazing polish.Unstabilized,you will need to seal it well (lacquer sanding sealer) to avoid it getting stained and darkened with dirt and hand oils.It sculpts well ,too.Use clean belts to sand,finishing by hand.Buff with white or pink compound on a CLEAN buff.It is a bit soft for a hunter,but makes nice show pieces.
Stacy

 

[Waddie]

Stacy,

Thanks for the reply. Will cut up the block and send it out for stabilizing.

Geoff