Is it worth the trouble?

M

Mitch W.

Joined
Aug 11, 2010
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I have been offered a slab of mahogany big enough for handles and am wondering if it would be worth the trouble to buy another Alpha Hunter and have handles made for it?
 
Mitch, Do it ! No matter what your thinking, do it ! Thats an easy project and its a way for you to explore your creative energy . Who knows what will come out of it . Just remove the current rosewood slabs, trace the pattern onto the mahogany, cut it out with a coping saw or bandsaw and shape to fit with files or sand paper, oil and varnish . Then drill and attach and post photos for us . Good luck . DM
 
There's really nothing to lose by trying it. You don't even have to buy a new one to work with since you won't be ruining the knife if you give it a try. It would be different if it was a 110 or 112, but since the scales are so easily removed and put back, why not?

Be sure to do a picture show of the work in progress to show here.:thumbup:
 
I would say if you are going to the trouble, go with a highly figured piece of wood, such as a burl, cocobolo or something with a lot of detail.

Typical mahogany is pretty plain and also softer than many other hardwoods.

Peter
 
peterinct said:
I would say if you are going to the trouble, go with a highly figured piece of wood, such as a burl, cocobolo or something with a lot of detail.

Typical mahogany is pretty plain and also softer than many other hardwoods.

Peter
Click to expand...

Great choices! You might also want to look at Bubinga, which has some excellent grain patterns.
 
peterinct said:
I would say if you are going to the trouble, go with a highly figured piece of wood, such as a burl, cocobolo or something with a lot of detail.

Typical mahogany is pretty plain and also softer than many other hardwoods.

Peter
Click to expand...

Those are my thoughts as well. Look into things like ironwood burl, amboyna, rosewood burl (if you can find it), afzelia burl. All are stunning. Other suggestions would be ebony, koa (truly gorgeous stuff), or maybe even a nicely-figured piece of walnut.

Cocobolo's nice wood, but be aware that some people have an allergic reaction to the dust.
 
Your mahogany, though not as expressive as those mentioned it is free and a good wood to experiment with and gain experience . So, if you mess up on your first try--no big deal, just try again . Then once you get some experience under your belt go purchase the other woods and you'll have some confidence to bring to the project as well . DM
 
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