The Draw of Ebony Wood??

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,498
OK, so I just don't get it.
Clearly, there is much love for Ebony handled traditionals.
In pix, they just look black to me.
To be fair, I've never seen ebony in person though.
Just wondering what the draw is to this wood.
Close up pix would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lenny
 
Lenny, I have yet to own an Ebony knife, something I have been trying to remedy for some time, but I always seem to latch onto something else.
The Ebony seems like a beautiful wood, I love black and I love wood grain. I think thats what sets a lot of people off, that and the durability of the material.
 
Part of the draw for me is the wood is so darn durable. I have really old vintage slipjoints where the steel is pretty worn away from use and corrosion but the ebony handles look like they were put on yesterday.
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You have to try one for yourself AND give it a little time. I was in your spot months ago...now its probably my number one pick. Crazy huh.
 
They don't always photograph well, but when you get them in hand, to me, that is when you see the difference.

They don't pop like jigged bone, but they have their own special charm. Ebony with nice aged steel bolsters and liners? Don't get much better than that.

Glenn
 
comoha said:
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Click to expand...

For an example I hope its okay that I use your photo.

This is personal and may not make sense but here is my take on photos of ebony wood. If I would have looked at this picture before I carried my own ebony handled knife I would have thought, eh pretty dull and boring. After carrying one, knowing the actual feel, look and charm of the wood I look at the picture and see a stunning knife.

Maybe this helps explain why internet pics just aren't making you open your wallet?
 
Here's a Case/Bose Norfolk in Ebony. There's some dark streaks in this example of the wood. The most prized is totally black. Ebony polishes up really nice, and no resin is needed to protect or harden it.
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You are absolutly right Gary. Those streaks are very ugly. You should send it my way immediatly so that no one else has to lay their eyes on such a monstrosity :D
 
Another thing I appreciate about ebony is the color contrast it makes against steel, especially a satin finished steel. They just pair well together aesthetically.
 
It's just a classic look, IMO. The contrast of black wood against nickel silver is stunning, though simple, and it's proven the test of time as tons of old time knife manufacturers used it going back to the late 1800s.
 
richstag said:
You have to try one for yourself AND give it a little time. I was in your spot months ago...now its probably my number one pick. Crazy huh.
Click to expand...

Does this mean you're going to change your name to richebony? ;)

- Christian
 
Durable, looks good - did I mention durable? Feels good in the hand. Durable.

GEC Montana Whittler
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GEC Powderhorn
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GEC Linerlock
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GEC Calf Roper
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I have several ebony knives and I agree with the prevailing opinion...might not be as much of a show piece as some of the bone and stag but it's incredibly durable, polishes up nicely and has a tightly grained, oily structure that stands the test of time. Several woods fit that description but they don't usually come on knives I can afford ;)
 
It's a very traditional handle material --that's good enough for some. It's also very durable. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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This is my Vintage Knives Model 1902 Moose. I love the ebony scales on this one!

Ron

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As others have said it's durable! It was used on a lot of old slip joints and it worked out good
on them. I think the older it gets....The better it looks and the better it feels

Jason


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Ebony's finished (ie, sanded but not coated) state is naturally smooth (without feeling slick), durable, and a tactile pleasure.

My ebony-covered knife warms to my hand in a way that those covered in other materials don't (even if they also become "warm" in use).

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I love its classic simplicity.

It also reminds me of a guitar fretboard, a happy association. :-)

~ P.
 
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