Maple Burl handle swelling

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

Joined
Dec 30, 2008
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4,563
Have any of you guys had issues with the burl swelling or splitting? Does it chip easily or stain easily? Ive been thinking about using it to fish with or in the kitchen or if i get caught in the rain but idont want the 01 to rust or the maple burl to swell. My opinels used to swell horribly and ive had axe handles split. I know this isnt burl per say but its wood nonetheless. I wax it if that does anything but after seeing kitchen knives with wood handles it scares me lol.
 
Try not to immerse the handle in water. If it gets wet dry it immediately. You should be ok.
 
I used Tru-Oil (http://www.birchwoodcasey.com/sport/index.html) on my burl handle. Its kind of like a souped up linseed oil. I just put a small drop on the handle, rub it in with my finger until it gets tacky and then buff off the excess with a white coffee filter. Let that dry and repeat. I've probably got 4 or 5 thin coats on my handle. I'll try to get a picture up tomorrow.

Brandon
 
All right. Well, if i use it for fishing and kitchen itll jave to get cleaned and probably soak, so i guess i wont do that then.
 
What you need is a Bird & Trout with micarta handle. :D Something like this.

mt02dc.jpg
 
How much are they? I should be starting my job back up again in a month, maybe i'll pocket some tips and buy one :-). You know, i almost went with the micarta when we talked on the phone until i asked if you had maple burl, then i couldn't say no. Looks wise it's amazing, but i'm finding out that i probably should have gone with micarta because how i want to use the knife the burl holds me back a bit i believe.
 
Those go for $110. I could even do a kydex sheath for it so you don`t need to worry about wet leather. I`m heading to Indiana now to get more leather. If you are interested send me an email.
 
I have no money at the moment so when i come into my first paycheck you'll be the first to have my money! Kydex sounds like a good idea, maybe with a drain hole at the bottom.
 
I have burled and tiger-striped maple handles on some of my favourite woods knives. They get covered in fish guts, sap, dirt, snow, etc. I use them without hesitation. When I am done using them, I give give them a good wipe down and make sure that they are clean and dry. They hold up just fine.

I would rather look at one of my customs and fondly remember using it on a particular backpacking trip or trail-clearing outing that look at it and consider it too fragile to risk serious use. Sure, this invites the odd ding or scuff mark. But these things build character.

Your mileage may vary.

All the best,

- Mike
 
I have a Camp Knife with maple burl and all I do is give it a drop per side of plain 'ol mineral oil once in a while. I rub it in with my fingers and set it aside to soak in.
Protects and beautifies.


dave
 
If i were to use it for an 8 hr period a it got soaked many times do you think itd swell or split? I just worry more so about damage but id like itto look food too! thats whybi got burl lol
 
An important factor would be if the burl wood had been stabalized. That would make the big difference.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
If i were to use it for an 8 hr period a it got soaked many times do you think itd swell or split? I just worry more so about damage but id like itto look food too! thats whybi got burl lol
Click to expand...

Hmm. Tough call. It would depend how long it was left soaked at a given time.

I have had my JK Hudson Bay stuffed in a damp sheath for about 4 hours straight on a few occasions, and while the sheath loosened up (but was easy to fix later), the handle showed no signs of swelling or splitting. 8 hours soaked might be a bit much, though. But maple burl is pretty hard stuff.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Mentor said:
Hmm. Tough call. It would depend how long it was left soaked at a given time.

I have had my JK Hudson Bay stuffed in a damp sheath for about 4 hours straight on a few occasions, and while the sheath loosened up (but was easy to fix later), the handle showed no signs of swelling or splitting. 8 hours soaked might be a bit much, though. But maple burl is pretty hard stuff.

All the best,

- Mike
Click to expand...

Well, i wasn't meaning 8 hours soaked. I just meant if i had to rinse it off in the water for a minute or so. But an 8 hour outting without being able to properly clean it or dry it really. Possibly gutting the fish to bring home, shaving sticks. Having to lay it in the sand/dirt or dropping it to the bottom of the water. Who really knows what could go on lol. I'd also worry about water getting between the handle and tang. Is that possible or is it epoxied fully through? I don't know if you attach the liners to the handle with expoxy, then the handles with epoxy to the liners or what. I've always wondered. I've tried taking it easy on the wood, thats the only thing holding me back from carrying it in the rain or fishing and stuff, i can't afford anything right now, so i'd rather be cautious and have it for another day than beat the piss out of it(like i've been bugging to)in any conditions and regret it the next day. I agree scratches and beauty marks enhance it, i remember every ding in my bike and other favorite things, but i am also careful enough with them that they last me.
 
I can think of no reason to not apply a good coating of any oil varnish finish if the handle has not been fully finished. It will absorb what it needs and the rest can be wiped off. When dry buff. Then cover well with any good wood wax. Wipe off immediately during use and you should have years of service with now problem. If you are really going to (ab)use it then you may want to spray a couple layers of lacquer over the oil varnish before waxing.
 
I put a few layers of carnuba cleaner wax on it mainly to try and keep dirt from sticking to it. I don't know how well of a waterproofer that is and how easy it wears off. I apply it to the blade also.
 
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