How durable is Dyed Box Elder Burl for knife handles?

[Silas]

I ran into a guy the other day that was selling a fixed blade knife with Dyed Box Elder Burl handles on it. It was an interesting looking knife. I trust the steel of said knife but wanted to check on the handle material before I dropped the amount of money he'll take for it.

Any information would help.

 

[jimmyd1982]

If it's dyed box elder it has most likely been stabilized, which means it was infused with a type of resin or other chemical under some kind of pressure (like in a vacuum). The stabilizing process prevents the wood from shrinking, absorbing water, cracking, warping, etc.

If the stabilizing was done right the woods durability will be similar to synthetic material. I still rub mine down with mineral oil occasionally just to be on the safe side.