Mesquite as scales?

[Doc Shipley]

Living in central Texas, I have access to a lot of deadfall mesquite. I know it's very hard, especially the roots, and often has a very nice grain pattern. (I also know it's toxic as hell. A green mesquite thorn or splinter is a guarantee of a few days of misery.)

Has anyone used mesquite for handles or scales? If it's suitable at all, would it need to be stabilized? Assuming it's been curing in a pile for a year or 3, what kind of preparation would it need?


Doc

 

[Dan Pierson]

People have definitely used it. I've seen it used both stabilized and natural.

I've got a few handles worth of mesquite burl that I may decide are ready to use in another year or so.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

It's nice material, especially the curly stuff. It's easy to work with and very durable for the weight. I think the grain is a little plain-looking, but sometimes that can be good too.

It looks really nice finished with Tru-oil.

 

[Patrickknives]

I have done a bit with misquite from desert regions in California, here they are pretty small but the roots do have a nice grain, its really tough like desert ironwood. I hand cut everything to small blocks or scales because there are alot of rocks in it which will ruin the bandsaw blade instantly. I really like it, I friend has cut some for fillet knives.

It cannot be stabilized and you should not need any special prep for finishing.

 

[cunningham]

I use mesquite, and stabilize all of it. WSSI does a fine job with it.
Find an old root ball, that will be where the figured wood will be. Take a chain saw file with you, you'll need it.
Chad

 

[Bill Armstrong]

It's one of my favorites!...I like to use the small wood, limbs no bigger than 1.5" so that some cambiam is left in the mix...it provides some great contrast and the figure in the small wood can be stunning! I finish with cyanoacrylate, three coats with plenty of sanding in between. Make sure ya age dry it very well after cuttin it up into slabs....take it to the bandsaw and just look for the nicer grain patterns as you cut it!

 

[Tx Bass Tech]

Andy Roy (Fiddleback Forge) is making 2 knives for me with Mesquite and Texas Ebony for the handles. I think they will be done very soon so he might be posting pictures soon on his forum. You can ask him what he thinks about it. When I get them, we could meet up for some tacos (I live in South Austin) and I'll show them to you.

 

[jim poling]

I used it several times when I was stationed in San Antonio and I think it made a nice handle. It is hard on saw blades but sands very smooth.

Jim

 

[Jason Fry]

It can have a variety of different looks. All of these knives have scales of mesquite. I generally don't stabilize mine, and as you can tell, I don't use much of the plain straight grain stuff.

 

[CDH]

I use a lot, and it doesn't have to be plain. Mine get a good repetitive rub/soak with Danish oil until they can't soak up any more. There are a few sawmills around that can get you figured wood.

 

[wordsmith]

Mesquite is the best stuff there is, IMO. You can stabilize it but it isn't necessary. From fresh green to completely dry it contracts only about 2%, which makes it the second most stable wood in the world (or so I've read). It isn't exactly toxic either so much as just an irritant, but the dust will certainly harm the lungs if you breathe a lot of it and you should definitely wear a respirator. You can use the scraps on the grill too!

 

[marekz]

I love mequite burl. It is one of my favorite woods. Its kinda hard to come by and can be pricey. Figured mesquite is beautiful in its own right. I just love mesquite.-thanks Marekz

 

[Doc Shipley]

To everyone who replied, thanks!

It looks like I need to go out to my friends farm next weekend with the bucksaw.