Question for Wood Handled Knife Lovers - Does this bother you?

Brian Andrews · Mar 21, 2009

Let me first say, that it is not going to be hard to recognize who makes this knife. But, this is nothing about that. The particular manufacturer is excellent.

This is more about the issue of wood on steel in a full tang design. Whether the wood is stabilized or not, the expansion/contraction rates between it and steel are significantly different. Therefore, over time, I think there are bound to see some of the issues shown below.

The real question is, does it bother you?

This first one, you can already see the handle shrinkage, and steel above and below the handle.

And also gaps from wood changing.

More protruding steel.

More gaps.

Making knives myself, I am super anal about the fit being there, no gaps, etc. I also love wood handles. But, I still can't help but wonder what could happen years down the road. That is why I posted the question.

Is it enough to sway you from wood? I know micarta/g10 is great and all, but it just doesn't have the same warmth, feel and look of wood.

I don't want this to be a negative post. I think this is about the physics of something that is bound to happen, and that can not really be changed (I think anyway, maybe someone else can shed some light on it). And and I am just trying to get thoughts and opinions.

B

Big Mike · Mar 21, 2009

Yes it bothers me.

I’ve seen it on some of my re-handled kitchen knives that have natural wood more then the ones with stabilized wood.

The fact they hang over my stove/oven probably makes it worse.

I have not had a big problem with my field knives, but they are stored in environment that sees less extremes in temperature and humidity.

I think drying out in low humidity is the main culprit.

I would recommend keeping wood handled knives well oiled and be careful how you store them.

I love wood as a handle material and will continue to deal with the problem, even if that means re-doing a handle now and then.

"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike

udtjim · Mar 21, 2009

For this reason, I much prefer Micarta or other more stabil material for guns and knives. However, No it does not really bother me unless the fit starts to affect the comfort of the grip. I am more in to function that looks. Of course both is better yet.

CKE2 · Mar 21, 2009

For me...no it does not bother me. I have had very few knives with wood handles over the years but when I look at an old "friend" it just adds to the character of the knife. I have seen some old Grohmanns that look like they have been to hell and back but there is just something about an old beat up knife with wood handles that has been used for 20+ years:thumbup:
Now, if the knife is brand new from a maker(not talking production pieces here) with gaps and steel sticking out, then that is not acceptable. I believe that is why most makers do not warranty against defects in wood and natural handle materials.

Good question!

Craig

Diomedes Industries · Mar 21, 2009

I gotta tell you Brian - this happens with Micarta knives too. My BRKT knife came PERFECT from the factory in terms of matching - and there is some shrinking in the handle. Nothing like above - bit you can see it.

I think that WHEN I am staring at it - it bothers me. When I am using it - it doesn't.

I can feel it with my fingers - not my palm. I think the harder and more stabilized the wood is - the less that happens. I do think, however, that as much shrinkage as you have above could have been prevented through greater curing before handling. I would send the pics to the maker and see if they are willing to touch up or rehandle the knife for you.

TF

jackknife · Mar 21, 2009

Different woods are going to have different shrinkage. The tropical rosewoods and cocobolo are going to be very stable, where the American hardwoods like maple and oak are going to be needing a weekly rubdown with some linseed oil. I think the Grohmans use rosewood.

That birdseye maple needs a good rubdown every week. There's no wood handle that had the durability of synthetic materials.

kdstrick · Mar 21, 2009

for that kind of money, I'd be very upset and send it back for a refund. It's a shame because the wood is very nice.

Brian Andrews · Mar 21, 2009

Talfuchre said:
I would send the pics to the maker and see if they are willing to touch up or rehandle the knife for you.

TF

I understand what you are saying. But, by the time I send it off, and they received it, I could have done it myself. Not to mention their turn around time, and return shipping. I know that not everyone has that luxury, but it is what I would do.

jackknife said:
That birdseye maple needs a good rubdown every week.

That is not going to happen

I don't even oil my carbon blades

While I could follow that routine at home, I despise taking anything "extra" with me in the woods. I figure I either NEED something, or I do not. If I can live without it, then it becomes one more thing to have to remember.

kdstrick said:
for that kind of money, I'd be very upset and send it back for a refund. It's a shame because the wood is very nice.

This is not a new knife. It is a couple years old. Just clarifying. But, I do understand what you are saying too.

rayban · Mar 21, 2009

I would wager that in time you end up ripping those off and re-handling it yourself.....just because you can...:thumbup:

okbohn · Mar 21, 2009

That kind of stuff frustrates me. I have a few that have done that.

I have a BRKT kitchen knife that is about to go back for the same issue. Like Big Mike said, it is subjected to the harshest environment. I think I will have them put micarta on it.

The knife was absolutely perfect when I got it. I think it is just a fact of life with wood.

BarberFobic1992 · Mar 21, 2009

i would think that if they used, say, 40 ton automotive epoxy, the wood wouldnt move. thishasnt been a problem with me, but that might be because i havent had most knives for more than a year. in stick tang knifes though, ones that i have had for several years, i havent noticed anything.

DOC-CANADA · Mar 21, 2009

While I can appreciate the beauty of wood scales, it is one of the principal reasons why I prefer micarta and G-10.

Doc

raylaconico · Mar 21, 2009

That can happen with micarta too! Not nearly as bad as that but it does. Maple is one of the worst woods for movement, even stabilized maple is prpbably not as stable as natural cocobolo IMHO.

pitdog · Mar 21, 2009

Would varnishing handles help any with this issue ?

SpookyPistolero · Mar 21, 2009

It's not a huge issue with me, but it's an irritation. For a true 'field'/user blade, I wouldn't care so much about the aesthetics. But if I could feel the gaps or steel protruding when working with it, that'd be the end of it.

myright · Mar 21, 2009

It really doesn't bother me that much because I don't have any safe queens. That being said, if I did, it would bother me.

The only way it would really start to bother me on my users is if the handle became loose at all.

peripatew · Mar 21, 2009

I like natural materials, mostly a handful of woods and. Blue giraffe bone. But I'm mega-anal as well about those tiny differences Brian, so I'd be bothered by those changes. A lot.

Will Power · Mar 21, 2009

This may be one of the reasons that we in Scandinavia opt for a sunken tang and a full wood handle on puukko style knives,wood scales will often shrink back particularly in dry conditions.

However, two things might help:I wonder if having liners of some synthetic type between the steel and the handles might sort this? No use in your situ know, but for future use when having a knife made? What I've done with a couple of cheapies,one a Rough Rider that looks a lot like your er,more costly knife from Michigan...is to coat the Root wood handles with some very tough boat varnish! It takes about a week to harden properly but it is VERY tough stuff and so far in a year of use it has sealed the handle from the elements totally,no shrink or getting damp or whatnot.Of course it makes the handles slippery and to do a proper job you should remove the scales,but with a cheapie it's not needed.

tonym · Mar 21, 2009

I have noticed this in allot of my favorite knives.

It is not just one of the knives I have, it is about 7 of them, from all different makers.

I have been trying to get them back in shape with heavy doses of mineral oil; so we'll see what happens....

I have them stored in a closet in the guest room. My home is all forced air and heat, so yes it is an extremely dry enviornment. Works great for drying out Hearth boards, not so good on knife handles I just found out.:grumpy:

VoxHog · Mar 21, 2009

I can't stand wood shrinkage and prefer micarta for my handles on knives/tools with a full tang.