Stableized Ironwood

R

Riley White

Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
84
Is it possible to stableize Ironwood. I ask because I have read threads that mention Stableized Ironwood that they have used, and and threads that say you can't stableize Ironwood.
Which is it? Thanks.
 
This still leaves a fog but I am positive I have seen stabilized ironwood for sale or stabilizing ironwood service on the net. Can't point to where I think I saw that. My guess is yes but I wonder why I would want to.

RL
 
The thread that said you couldn't stabelize Ironwood mentioned an Ironwood handle that shrunk over the years. In the deserts of NM, AZ, and other states, that may be a problem, while back East the problem may be unknown because of the humidity.
 
I have had several pairs of stabilized Ironwood scales, done by MSSI, the forerunner of both WSSI, and K&G's stabilizing operation.

I have one pair left, having used the others in years past. The thing is, it's not a necessity. It does nothing to harden the wood any more than nature already has, but what it will do is, if you have blocks, or scales with nice color, it seems to keep them from darkening a lot, which is a trait of Ironwood exposed to the sun. The stuff can turn almost black. Age can do that too, whether exposed to sunlight, or not, but this stabilized pair I've had for all these years has not changed a bit in color.:eek: :D
 
Mike, thanks for that advise on desert ironwood. I wonder why desert ironwood would essentially need be stabilized.

RL
 
Mike, thank you for answering. I have put Ironwood on four or five knives to date. And, I assumed that it was impervious to the elements as it is so hard/dense (will not float in water). Other knife makers have mentioned it's toughness also. However, a post about three weeks ago mentioned a problem they had with a Ironwood handle due to it's shrinking. The shrinking I assumed would be from drying out. They also mentioned that Ironwood couldn't be stabilized. Again I assumed that it's density stopped the efforts to stabilize. I now suppose it is possible to stabilize it.
I ask because I want to make the toughest most durable knife I can. The handle is certanly a part of the package.

Thank you Mike.
 
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