Redwood for handle scales?

flatgrinder

flatgrinder

Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
2,045
Does anyone know if redwood is a durable material for handle scales?

I recently was "given" about a few years supply worth of this wood which came from a 35 year old house. It is bone dry without any cracks.

Should I have it stabilized? I know it's not considered a particularly attractive wood, but is it usable for a dependable working knife?

Figured if I could use it, it's better than trashing it.

Thanks! :thumbup:
 
I use Redwood burl a lot, I have mine stabilized by K&G. Unstabilized I feel it is just too soft and will not perform well.


Here is one example,


IMG_1643.jpg
 
O love using redwood burl.
 
Figured redwood - whether burl, curl, lace or whatever is gorgeous - and yes, IMHO, it needs to be stabilized. It is one of the more difficult woods to stabilize, so you might be well advised to stick to the big two.

I put too much work into a knife to use anything uninteresting in a handle. If it is unfigured, I'd be tempted to consider it for presentation boxes or something like that. (in which case, stabilizing probably wouldn't be required.)

Rob!
 
KnifeMaker.ca said:
Figured redwood - whether burl, curl, lace or whatever is gorgeous - and yes, IMHO, it needs to be stabilized. It is one of the more difficult woods to stabilize, so you might be well advised to stick to the big two.

I put too much work into a knife to use anything uninteresting in a handle. If it is unfigured, I'd be tempted to consider it for presentation boxes or something like that. (in which case, stabilizing probably wouldn't be required.)

Rob!
Click to expand...

Rob says it better than me. Thanks Rob.:thumbup:
 
I've used un-figured woods before to do wood laminates for small knives and such but I think using it to make presentation boxes is a much better idea (in fact I kinda wish I had thought of it:D).

I think as far of durability if you put an epoxy based finish on it it should be fine.
 
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