Source for Holly wood

[Todd Robbins]

I'm making a knife block for a set of steak knives, and I want to use wood that is as close to pure white as possible. The knife handles are from bacote heartwood, and I'm hoping the contrast will draw more attention to the knife handles. Holly is the only thing that comes to mind. I'd like to avoid dying or staining the wood and use just the natural color. I would really appreciate any suggestions as to where to find some Holly or any other wood that you know of that is really light colored. Thanks!

Todd

 

[Raymond Richard]

I spotted this: http://www.bellforestproducts.com/domestic-wood/american-holly/

 

[JasonSCarter]

try to find some Chinese White Wax Wood, also Bamboo is very light colored and environmentally friendly... or try this method
http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/Bleach.htm

 

[Gene Martin]

Ray,

Try www.eisnbran.com. You might also consider ash, it's pretty white.

Gene

 

[Tommegow]

I bought some. Stablized Aspen from WSSI
It is very white!

 

[Todd Robbins]

Thank you all very much!


Todd

 

[mdoyle]

I think you had it right with the holly. I've never seen any wood that was whiter. There is a company on ebay that usually has it in their store. They have very nice products always, but not stabilized. Here is the link:
http://search.stores.ebay.com/The-Rivers-Edge-Exotics_holly_W0QQftsZ2QQsaselZ54833804QQsofpZ0
May also want to consider bleached camel bone.
Matt Doyle

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Guys, He is making a knife BLOCK not a handle. Holly is a good white wood, but rather plain,and quite soft - looking sort of like white basswood. It can be found in sizes up to 8/4 usually. Check Cook Woods (ebay) or Gilmer exotic woods. I may still have some out in the wood shop if you can't find what you want.

I would suggest a wood with a pattern that compliments the Bocote, but is lighter in color.
As mentioned, ash is pretty and lighter colored. Maple is a good choice for knife blocks. I am working on a curly maple knife block for a three piece set. The spacers are ebony. The handles of the knives are curly maple with ebony bolsters.

Stacy

 

[Steve Hayden]

Try for some clear straight-grained hard maple, light yellowish color. It will hold up nicely and won't detract from the Bocote grain. It is similar in color to Bocote sapwood.

 

[James_Terrio]

+1 on maple, whichever style you prefer. It's fairly light (both weight and color), takes a variety of finishes well, and is very stable. I'm biased, though, because I just plain like maple.

thread-drift: My uncle is a cabinetmaker; he did an entire kitchen in gorgeous birdseye maple... and the customer insisted he whitewash the whole thing :barf: Please don't do that.

 

[bjalongi]

My good friend's mother owns a holly farm. I never thought to ask for any of the trimmed limbs. Looks like I better get on the horn.