Stable woods?

J

jeffj

Joined
Apr 8, 1999
Messages
439
I wanted to know which woods were the most stable for knife handles. This is regardless of looks and toughness (that is another question). I have seen several suggest to stay away from certain exotics due to cracking. Any suggestions as to the top 3 or so that you have had luck with?

On a related note, I have acquired a bit of Bubinga. It has a beautiful reddish color and seems very hard and heavy. I think it would make a great knife handle but I don't see it used on any knives or sold as a wood for handles. Anybody have any experience with this wood or could give me any advice?

Thanks,
Jeff
 
Jeff,

I have a maker friend that loves useing that on knives that will see hard use if the buyer prefers to go with wood as opposed to micarta. He tells me he has not had any problems with it as of yet. He has been useing it for about a year or so.


Regards,

Tom Carey
 
Another wood that you do not see very much is Bocote. It is hard and oily and needs very little beyond buffing to bring out a nice shine. It is available in a range of colors from light tan with dark irregular bands of red, brown and black to dark brown with lighter swirls of red and tan. Many times it is available highly figured and is not overly expensive in exibition grades.

Charles
 
I have to agree with george if the materials are not stabilized. If the materials are stabilized then even burls such as maple, box-elder, and even walnut could be used.

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Curtis Wilson
 
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