- Joined
- Sep 28, 2005
- Messages
- 4,527
Here is a good picture that shows how Osage ages, from when I was making my axe handle (using traditional knives!! 
). The outer color is how I bought it, the bright is fresh. I find the color takes a slightly yellowed caramel as it ages, not mud like at all!
An aged view of the axe (2-3 years after hafting, kept outdoors only when camping
slightly aged Burnt Osage
My knife I wore at my wedding
Before:
After: with my favourite wood handled tools from each category:
The wedding knife has shown the most change as the ironwood darkened considerably. But it is also untreated wood, sanded to 800 grit and left. The wood handled knife first and second in the group picture were treated with Tru-oil, and have seen much work without much color change. And when I want to refurbish my wedding knife a little 6-800 grit sandpaper knocks off the dark outer oxidized layer and looks good again!
I love wood and will keep using it my whole life, both in the knives I make, and the ones I buy to use!
Hope the pictures helped a bit.
). The outer color is how I bought it, the bright is fresh. I find the color takes a slightly yellowed caramel as it ages, not mud like at all!
An aged view of the axe (2-3 years after hafting, kept outdoors only when camping
slightly aged Burnt Osage
My knife I wore at my wedding
Before:
After: with my favourite wood handled tools from each category:
The wedding knife has shown the most change as the ironwood darkened considerably. But it is also untreated wood, sanded to 800 grit and left. The wood handled knife first and second in the group picture were treated with Tru-oil, and have seen much work without much color change. And when I want to refurbish my wedding knife a little 6-800 grit sandpaper knocks off the dark outer oxidized layer and looks good again!
I love wood and will keep using it my whole life, both in the knives I make, and the ones I buy to use!
Hope the pictures helped a bit.
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