- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,976
The kerosene tempering on Hickory Dose work. I don't know why, and I don't know if it would work on other woods. Sense hickory is the best wood for both ramrods, and Hawk/Hammer/Axe handles I don't see any sense in playing with other woods.(IMHO) I have used the Kerosene treatment on my forging hammers as taught to me by my grandfather, My favorite rounding hammer is 35 years old and has the original handle on it. I usually don't treat hawk handles in the same manor because I throw my hawks in competition and The handles need to be replaced often. Where you can really see the benefit of soaking Hickory is in a ramrod. My favorite gun has is a flintlock with a 41" barrel. I use a 3/8" thick ramrod. If you grasp the ends if a 41" long 3/8" hickory dowel you could bend it to nearly a 90 degree bend. After a week soaking in kerosene the same ramrod wile be able to bend nearly 135 degrees with out damage. You cant just wipe the Hickory down with kerosene it needs to be soaked for at least a week.
Hope this is helpful
bikermikearchery
Hope this is helpful
bikermikearchery