looking for a dark colored scale...

[Daniel Koster]

I'm trying to find what dark-colored scales are out there (besides Micarta) in the custom world.

What material is preferred most?

I'm thinking of a color like Diorite, Onyx, etc. - a rich deep black that would polish up nicely.

I would prefer scales that can be crafted ergonomically, and not just plain-ole-flat scales.

Does anybody have any pictures, or sources on the internet where I can find some dark-black materials.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[richard rosvall]

How about ebony? Or buffalo horn? Both make beautiful handles, and can be shaped or contoured.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

Going to move this to shop talk.
I hope you find the right stuff.

 

[Daniel Koster]

Thanks, Gus. Wasn't sure where it applied.

Richard,

Ebony sounds great. What custom makers use it? Do you know which use buffalo horn?

Dan

 

[Kit Carson]

Dan,
What about African Blackwood. IMHO it is less likely to crack and check and polishes up nicely. I don't know of a good source as I have had my stash of it for years.

 

[Disco Stu]

www.texasknife.com has all the above mentioned materials. I've used ebony on one knife and have some horn and blackwood I've yet to try on anything. The ebony was a pleasure to work. Smelled fairly nice too. It smelled 'dark' if you can believe that. Very dense and oily. Polishes well. Give it a try.

I'll see if I can get a picture of the bootknife I used the ebony on. It was a blade bought from Texas Knifemaker's Supply a couple years back.

 

[david lovins]

I like the buffalo horns, you can't go wrong with them!

 

[Peter Atwood]

I hear you on the shiny, but G10 makes a darn nice functional choice. I love the stuff, especially the heavy textured variety.