Knife Handle Material Source - Larger Blocks

guns_and_labs

guns_and_labs

Joined
Jul 6, 2007
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I'm trying to find some (white) birch for a knife handle project, but I need larger blocks than standard - 3/8" x 2" x 5 1/2" minimum. The usual sources only have 5" or less. Can anyone point me to a source? Thanks.
 
Gilmer Wood in Portland Or will probably have it. They have a website https://www.gilmerwood.com Check them out. I've bought a lot of wood from them over the years. Always been happy.
 
Horsewright said:
Gilmer Wood in Portland Or will probably have it. They have a website https://www.gilmerwood.com Check them out. I've bought a lot of wood from them over the years. Always been happy.
Click to expand...

Darn it Dave - you just cost me a BUNCH of money!!! With that $100 min order my tab is going to be more than I really wished to spend, but the wife kept saying "Hey, that's pretty - get it!!".

Thanks for the link.

Ken H>
 
Sorry Ken. It is kinda cool being able to pick a specific piece though. Guns, surprised they didn't have any birch. You might try West Penn Hardwoods too https://www.westpennhardwoods.com/default.aspx I've bought from them before but just like seeing the indivduial piece like I can at Gilmer. See Ken now you don't have to hide the package when it comes!!!
 
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When I need a special type/size/etc block, I usually buy a board of that wood and cut it to size myself. I get the best blocks stabilized. Also, contact Mark at Burl Source. Hemay have something or can give you a source.
 
Dave, I don't have to worry about hiding knife stuff from the wife - she LIKES it. All her kitchen knives are from me, and the first folder with mammoth ivory she laid claim to before I got it completed. It's HER knife now {g}.

That $150 order should give me wood to last a LONG time!

Ken H>
 
Understand completely. Kinda the same deal. My wife just got into leatherwork a few months back. Now when I'm working on sheaths out in the shop and can't find a tool..shes got it inside the house.
 
I forgot to mention that when I want white wood for a knife, I usually use holly (stabilized). It often has a slightly "egg shell" color and looks almost like ivory. Some has a pale amber shade reminiscent of Ho wood. A plank of good quality 6/4 holly is reasonable and supplies years of handles.
It works well with African Blackwood on Japanese handles.
 
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