A.McPherson
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2012
- Messages
- 2,862
Cool thing about Osage is that over time and exposure to uv it turns purple!
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
I have some blanks I cut up.....Has anyone used lignum vitae for knife handles? I have carved some cleats and other traditional boat fttings using this amazing wood.
My question is how well slim parts would hold up in a knfe handle.
I'm able to get Lignum Vitae locally in Yucatan (called Guyacan here) and have used it for folder scales. I found it surprisingly easy to cut, grind/sand/file and polish......as the naturally occurring waxes in the wood act as a lubricant and keep it cool when working. It looks beautiful. BUT, it does have a tendency to develop cracks, especially when subjected to changes in temperature and humidity. Here's a lock-back with Lignum Vitae. About a year after I sold it, the collector wrote to me that a few cracks had appeared one day. Of course I re-handled it for him. Now, I'm reluctant to use it again for knives that will travel out of Yucatan. Also posted a photo of the wood turners shop in Dztya where I got the wood (theres a small log of Guayacan under the table saw)Has anyone used lignum vitae for knife handles? I have carved some cleats and other traditional boat fttings using this amazing wood.
My question is how well slim parts would hold up in a knfe handle.
That's quite a table saw!I would expect that Lignum Vitae must be seasoned like any other wood. The stock I purchased was aged with waxed end grain but I am not sure how long it was air dried.
A woodcarver friend seasons applewood by sinking a log in the pond for a year first before air drying. He says it prevents checking in the outer layers as he carves in the round.