Oak for handles?

[Raymond Richard]

Bruce Evans had given me a bunch of oak that his Dad had rat holed. Never have see it used for hawk or hammer handles. Can you guys say there is a problem with using oak that I don't know of? Its clear and straight grain, I would think it would work just fine.....Ray

 

[Gib Guignard]

Ray you old fart if you look in MSC, Enco and Harbor Freight you will find a lot of ball pien hammers with Oak handles. If you are going to decorate the handle and cover the grain up with stuff why not.
Gib

 

[Fox Creek]

I have used oak for hammer handles and it works just fine. It is stiff and strong. some folks dont particularly care for the appearance of OAK, but it is OK with me. It can be coarse grained, and I find it works best when you dont try to fight it. Oak responds very well to an acid and heat stain. Lots of rubbing with coarse steel wool will bring out a lot of character and leave it silky smooth. Sometimes I will finish Oak with first coat of black pigment (black iron oxide) in varnish or a penetrating oil type finish to seal and fill the grain. Oak seems to love wax as a top coat.