Osage

[flatgrind8]

Is there a need to stabalize osage for handle mat.and is there a market for this wood?

 

[Mike Morehouse]

Osage is a good hanlde material that does not need stabalized. It is hard and a little bit of patience is required to not burn the wood while sanding. There is a market for it but it is best to send me what you have for testing.

 

[R.H.Clark]

There is a larger market as selfbow staves than handle material.

 

[flatgrind8]

Thanks for the reply to my question, i can get my hands on alot of osage it's everywhere i live. As far as bow mat.harder to find pieces long enough before you start to getting into limbs.

 

[Darrin Sanders]

Bowyers want straight grained wood and knifemakers want the twisty stuff.

 

[lukus]

I recently saw a knife that I had made ~12 years ago with an Bois D'Arc / Osage Orange handle. It wasn't stabilized, just sealed with wax and buffed. It's been inside dozens of feral hogs and is still beautiful. Actually, even prettier than it was when new. Osage oxidizes to a gorgeous burnt wheat color with lots of chatoyance. Anyway, all the joints just as tight as ever, no movement.

 

[rayban]

I predict you'll make lots of new best friends real quick if you decide to market Osage.
For knife makers, the more "figure" in it, the mo betta.:thumbup: