Teak question?

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Jul 8, 2001
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I've got a really good customer thats a boat builder and he sent me some Teak scales, I've never used teak before, does it need to be stabilized or does it have enough natural oils to make it stabil?

Thanks

Bill
 
Bill, from what I've read, teak is the second most stable wood in the world, after mesquite. Or maybe it's the other way around. Either way, if teak won't work unstabilized, nothing will.
 
Teak is kind of oily and I doubt it would stabilize very well. And its not real hard I am cleaning out my attic and I found two teak boards ones over an inch thick a n 8 feet long about 6 inches wide the other is just a short piece. Try to. think what I could do with them. Also got a bunch of mahogany and walnut one piece of walnut is 12" wide 3" thick and 8 to ' long.
 
I did a few recently- it's kinda greasy, really wants to gum up the belts. Ideal for kitchen knives.
 
Its VERY stable. You need to prep well for glue to work. I have a piece of it about 30"x2"x8" or so. Ive been saving it for fishing knives, or maybe display cases. I am considering it for an end grain cutting board as well.
 
That's an idea I bought some pre made kitchen knife blanks and have been wondering what kind of handles to put on them. Anybody need some I got a bunch?
 
That's an idea I bought some pre made kitchen knife blanks and have been wondering what kind of handles to put on them. Anybody need some I got a bunch?

Please post some photos and commentary on how the wood works out. Thanks
 
Thanks everyone for all the comments, looks like it will be perfect just as is.

Thank you,

Bill
 
Bill, I'm no expert, and you probably know this, but if you're gonna glue up the teak scales, it's usually helpful to wipe it down several times on the surface to be glued with acetone, lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol. Just not an oily solvent like mineral spirits. This helps to temporarily remove the surface oil from the teak and promote adhesion. You should apply your glue/epoxy as soon as possible, as the oils in the wood will start wicking back to the surface. I usually do it about 3 times, or so, making sure to turn the rag or paper towel so that a fresh area is used each time.

Sam :thumbup:
 
Thank you Sam for the tip, I'll definitely wipe it down good before glue up.

Best Regards,

Bill
 
I find teak a bit soft, as folks noted. But it also develops a really nice patina after a while that is easy on the hands. Personally, I would think it would make a great fishing/boat knife handle - and I would leave it unfinished to increase its grip when wet. But a nice spar varnish would work as well.

TedP
 
I'm an ex-boatbuilder and have used quite a bit of teak - I'm surprised more knife makers don't use it. Sam Wilson is correct - the teak needs to be wiped at least 3 times with acetone before gluing. West System G-Flex epoxy is the best for gluing because it was specially formulated for oily wood.

Once the scales are shaped and sanded to 240 grit, wet sand with the oil at 240 grit and let sit for 5 min. Wipe down and let dry for 24 hrs. Wet sand with 600 grit and oil, let sit for 5 min., wipe and let dry for 24 hrs. After that, apply as many coats as you want - at least 10 - wipe on, let sit 5 min. wipe off, let dry 24 hrs. between each coat. Before applying a new coat of oil, I like to go over the handle lightly with very fine bronze wool to remove any fines or dust which may have settled on the wet handle.

Most teak oils have a UV inhibitor so any good brand should work. I have had good results with Starbrite Premium Golden Teak Oil. Old timers swear by Dalys Seafin Teak Oil, which I haven't tried, but plan to try on my next knife.

Tim
 
Teak takes stabilizing well.
I had some curly Teak a couple years ago that I sent to K&G for stabilizing.
Kept it's true color and did not weep like some oily woods will do when stabilized.
 
That's an idea I bought some pre made kitchen knife blanks and have been wondering what kind of handles to put on them. Anybody need some I got a bunch?

Maybe my statement was not clear I ment I have a bunch of teak that I would share not blades. sorry for any confusion. Willie did you want some teak or blades?
 
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