Suggestions for dark wood as a handle material

G

Gossman Knives

Edged Toolmaker
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Apr 9, 2004
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I'm working on a custom order and the customer requested a dark wood for the handle material. Here is a description of the style of knife. It will have a 6 1/2" flat grind blade and a 4 1/4" coffin shaped handle. A 1/4" brass bolster, 1/8" brass pins and brass wrap on the pommel end. I don't use wood as my regular handle material, so I'm not familiar with the different woods available. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Scott
 
My all time favorite dark wood is Rosewood. If that doesn't suit, a good grade of dark figured Walnut.
 
Cocobolo is always nice too. Try that wood place up top Luskins hill. They have others too.

Larry
 
Blackwood for a coffin handle is the max.Ebony checks if you aren't careful (and sometimes when you are).Mopane is a beautiful deep,dark, swirly brown.
 
Check out the grain of this cocobolo. Its a work in progress but does turn out looking pretty nice.
 
Bocote and Cocobolo are about my favorite figured woods. I've always used ebony when dark is the object. And I plead utter ignorance; I've been operating under the flawed belief ebony and African blackwood were the same thing. Now I know they're not. I guess I'm going to have to find and use some AB now to see if y'all have changed my life again. All that ebony I've been hoarding... :rolleyes: :D
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. It sounds like the African Blackwood may be the way to go. The customer didn't specify a particular wood, just dark. Are there any percautions I should take when grinding. I always wear a respirator, anything else? Also do I need to use some type of sealer when using wood for handles? Thanks again you've all been helpful. ;)
Scott
 
WSSI has stabilized blackwood blocks for $14.00.Good stuff,a dream to work and polish.On blackwood,use sharp belts and slower speed to avoid burning it.
 
If you just want dark, Myal from the desert of western australia is dark brown
fin grain hard and stable. It is no where nere black like ebony. I often has a wavey grain that makes it look 3 dimentional. You need to see what you are buying first some is wavey som dead straight.
 
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