How do rosewood scales age?

J

jec88

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
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Just curious about the aging of rosewood? Especially on the 500 duke.
I like the way the older 500's look and the scales are darker, but I "think" those are Micarta?
The 500 seems like it would be a pretty good size to pocket carry, anyone have any pics of some 500 series knives with the rosewood that have developed some character.
 
I am not very familiar with the 500 series; however, I don't know of any with rosewood inlays. The wood inlays were a stained birch laminate and some may have had a "rosewood" stain. Of course there may be some special custom knives that actually used rosewood. I stand ready to be corrected if anyone knows otherwise.
 
You might be right. I was going by a website description. It says rosewood scales, but they might just be meaning rosewood stained.
 
Genuine rosewood scales need attention in order for them to last and look new,yo need to use furniture polish or oil to keep the wood looking new.never put real rosewood in a dishwasher,it will ruin it in short order.
 
If it is stabilized it won't change much and could easily be buffed back.
 
jec88 said:
Just curious about the aging of rosewood? Especially on the 500 duke.
I like the way the older 500's look and the scales are darker, but I "think" those are Micarta?
The 500 seems like it would be a pretty good size to pocket carry, anyone have any pics of some 500 series knives with the rosewood that have developed some character.
Click to expand...

Here is my crude and I expect incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the Duke

Up through late 80s, 440C, Micarta (aka Buckarta) scales, script tang stamp
Late 80s early 90s, 425Mod, Birch scales
Mid 90s - current (with production gap), 420HC, Rosewood Dymonwood scales.

My understanding is that Dymonwood is closer to Micrata than it is to real wood. As I understand it, it is like micarta with wood veneer as the layup material instead of cloth fabric. Supposedly incredibly durable and stable.

Here is my long gone 92 Duke. My favorite Buck knife to be sure, but the slick bolsters make pocket ejects common. That's how I lost mine and then learned that I joined a pretty big club. :(

Buck 500 by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
pinnah said:
Here is my crude and I expect incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the Duke

My understanding is that Dymonwood is closer to Micrata than it is to real wood.
Click to expand...

I think your a bit off on that.
It is real wood. In short it is a plywood of what ever species of choosing, and is then stabilized (impregnated with an acrylic type resin)
 
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