Is Desert Ironwood A Good Handle Substitute Material?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
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I have a 5" X 2.5" X 2.5" presentation grade A burl on the way that I got from www.arizonaironwood.com It is very stable and hard, yet is said not to be too difficult to work. It also takes a high "3D" polish. I'm thinking of using it for a GS or Chitlangi handle. Do any of the woodchucks have experience with this wood? Thanks!

Dan :)
 
I dont know how it will work on a khuk, but my wife has an Iron Wood handled large blade knife that she used as a choper for a few years...with absolutly no problems. I dont see why it wouldnt work...and I think it would look absolutly GREAT!!!
 
I haven't had any experience with it, but I love the wood!!!!:D
I have heard that it is prone to cracking though so unless it was stabilized I don't know how good it would be not discounting JJW's wife's experience.
Go to the Shop Talk Forum under the General Forums and ask the question there about the Desert Ironwood.
Of course there's a lot of experienced people here, but the guys over there have more experience in many areas that we don't.
That's what makes these forums so well rounded.:)
 
even if ironwood cracks, it will never split. Just like lignum vitae.

Don selects all of his pieces very carefully, though, so you shouldn't have a problem.
 
Beautiful wood, good handles, NASTY stuff to work. supposedly lots of people have reactions to the dust
 
There ya go agin' besmirchin' ma good name...;)
 
Ironwood....my favorite handle material...Drdan, it is awesome stuff and will make a great handle...:D
 

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Hmmm. So I assume you experienced guys would say that Ironwood would be fine on an old Cold Steel Trailmaster along with a nickel silver bolster and a blued blade?:D
I've been trying to decide for months whether I wanted ironwood or a couple of pieces of the old fashioned "Christmas Tree" Micarta(R) on my Trailmaster. Looks like I won't need to decide anymore.:D
 
JJW... It should look nice on a khukuri. Obviously it will not be carved. :D Seems like your wife's large knife held up fine. Thanks

Yvsa... Great suggestion to post the question on Shop Talk Forum. Perhaps some of the knifemakers or woodchucks can chime in too as you say. Yvsa, I'm getting a piece that's over 100 years old (most are), and it's a grade A that is defect free. Most of the wood harvested has a lot of defects, and large pieces are increasingly rare. Presentation grade A burl is the best there is, and supposedly doesn't have any "bad habits". I feel it would look outrageous on your CS Trailmaster; it's one well built knife, and the ironwood would put in in a class by itself. The link I gave has Bowie blocks and scales... Dan

Dan... I'll do a bit of research so I will maintain it well, and hopefully prevent it from cracking. Where I live is humid. I read that it is suggested to apply kiwi shoe polish now and again. I'm sure the woodchucks or knivemakers have something better. Thanks from another Dan. :D

ept777... I hope that it's not true; I'd like to find out more. I read that the Indians in Mexico who work extensively with the wood do so outdoors, apparently without adverse effects (wesite links gave me this input). The concern is obviously important when working with exotics; some are downright Nasty (pun intended)!

roycustomknives... Great input, and thanks for sharing. If you know about it's tendency to crack (or not to), it's alleged toxicity, etc., you would be most helpful. Thanks! Dan

Mr. BadExample... I agree it would look Bad on a khukuri. :) I have to remember not to get it confused with one I want with a carved handle. :D It displays a 3D look, called chatoyant, which is a new word in my vocabulary... I'd like it fitted on an 18" Chitlangi, and given the traditional crosshatch carving. It takes a very nice polish, so would definitely glow in the dark. It supposedly can be worked without much difficulty, despite its hardness. Don't want to p%$s off the hawari carver, would I? ;)
 
DrDan,
I have used this wood quite a bit...I have never had a problem with cracking...and yes it takes a beautiful polish....I have had no problems grinding this material...but I do wear a respirator...
Good Luck, and I can't wait to see a picture of the finial results....:) :D ;) :p :D
 
Rene - there you go teasing and tempting again...

Have you used that ultra-fancy ironwood you got yet? (I understand the "fraid to" mentality all to well....)

If you have, please post a pic for us here to drool over...
 
I have an 18" WWII I got off of Brendan in one of his weaker moments that was rehandled by a friend of his in Lignum vitae. This blade is a heavy one; though well balanced. Adding that handle material moved the balance point back toward the cho & has made it an amazing knife for me. The handle has been through heat, cold, mud, water, & everything else it seems with no ill effects. Same goes for the blade, but then I expected that; it's an H.I. khukuri. Uncle bill has spoiled me.
 
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