The Draw of Ebony Wood??

dannyp · Aug 3, 2012

I've mentioned it before, but to me ebony knives have a timeless look regardless of when they were made. Even though it may not be flashy, the simple classy appearance is perfect for a small gentleman's folder. At the same time it is durable enough for a robust work knife like a Cattle Knife or a Trapper. It really just goes well with any pattern. I also agree that it's nicer in person than how it looks in pictures.

I remembered a thread from a while back about some knives that were recovered after being underwater. It is seriously impressive how well the ebony held up.

navihawk · Aug 3, 2012

If you look at old catalogs, Ebony is one of the main handle materials of the oldies. I was always a fan of bone until I bought a Cocobola Jim Serven knife. From then on, I became a fan of wood, and when I had some in Ebony, well, that was it

lambertiana · Aug 3, 2012

Good quality ebony combines several characteristics that make it very classy. It polishes up well without any finish, has a warmth (like other wood) that you don't get with similar-looking plastic, looks great with the silver color of steel and nickel silver, and is very durable. It is also very traditional. You have to actually handle a quality example to get a feeling what it is about, pictures just don't do it justice.

The knife in the center here has some of the best ebony I have seen (I got two blocks of it, and cut one up for scales)

zippofan · Aug 4, 2012

I didn't understand it myself until this arrived:

Initially I was disappointed as I wanted the bone, but the black is really classy, and it "feels" different in the hand. I love this knife

Phydeaux · Aug 4, 2012

A friend of mine gave me some ebony scraps. in the present form, they are too small to make knife scales. It is black with no streaks in it. I rounded and sanded a piece up to 600 grit wet/dry, then put some boiled linseed oil on it. It has a really amazing feel to it. Can't wait to glue some pieces together to make some scales.

It is also dense enough to sink in water.

Ric

Campbellclanman · Aug 4, 2012

Hey Kev...I just read your comments on the Ebony being boring, and yes...I can understand where you came from at that time...but now that you are with us and think its something pretty awesome, I can tell you now that when I handle some of my very old knives...I kinda get lost in the old handle...please forgive me if this sounds really stupid, Im just trying to tell you the kick I get seeing lovely old scarred up Ebony with a cool N/S shield... its a pretty hard combination that you just simply will find it hard to beat, it can be as interesting as Stag dear I say it!
New Ebony

Old Ebony..

Older Ebony..

supratentorial · Aug 4, 2012

Every time I see Charlie's harness jack, I mistake it for an oldie... then I take a close look and recognize it. Charlie/GEC did a really nice job with those.

richstag · Aug 4, 2012

Duncan,

Thanks for taking the time to show me those! I can see just what you are saying now. They are incredible knives and your pics really show them off!

Thanks

confucius37 · Aug 4, 2012

Does ebony get darker with age? I have heard that cocobolo can darken with age, how about ebony?

Nixelplix · Aug 4, 2012

I'm not sure if ebony could get any darker than it already is.

Bigfattyt · Aug 4, 2012

Modoc ED said:
Actually, GEC is missing out as it pertains to me. They do not offer Ebony on theri Northfield brand. If they did, I'd probably have 15 to 20 more of their knives.

C'mon GEC - offer Ebony on your Northfield brand.

I would own at least one or two if this was the case. Not 15-20, but I feel the same.

Ideally, all steel, stamped bolsters, long pull, and I would not be able to resist.

supratentorial · Aug 4, 2012

Bigfattyt said:
I would own at least one or two if this was the case. Not 15-20, but I feel the same.

Ideally, all steel, stamped bolsters, long pull, and I would not be able to resist.

I'd also like to see more ebony knives with all steel and Northfield swedges.

Lenny · Aug 4, 2012

Wow!
Great response guys.
And awesome pix.
Unfortunately, I now have to try a knife with ebony. : )
Lenny

roseskunk · Aug 4, 2012

I like the no-nonsense quality of an ebony handled knife. If stag is dress pants, ebony is jeans. The older, more well-worn, the better.

Oh great. Now I have to go buy a(nother) knife.

RevDevil · Aug 4, 2012

Wow, those pictures of the time worn knives are terrific. It's really impressive to see how well some natural materials can hold up over the decades. You folks sure have really nice pocketknives.

Vanguard41xx · Aug 4, 2012

I love ebony as a handle material. Especially on older knives.

H. Boker

HS&B

NYKco.

H&B.

Boker's Improved cutlery

Camillus

kamagong · Aug 4, 2012

Lenny said:
Wow!
Great response guys.
And awesome pix.
Unfortunately, I now have to try a knife with ebony. : )
Lenny

You and me both. I have a 2010 knife, but I'm only its custodian until my daughter comes of age. I'm on the hunt for one of the S&M Heritage jacks.

- Christian

lambertiana · Aug 4, 2012

RevDevil said:
Wow, those pictures of the time worn knives are terrific. It's really impressive to see how well some natural materials can hold up over the decades. You folks sure have really nice pocketknives.

A few examples that I have of old ones...

navihawk · Aug 5, 2012

lambertiana, thanks for the show. Some fine old knives there. Which one is your favorite?

cnas122 · Aug 5, 2012

It's just a great handle material. A while back, I had Ken Erickson remake one of my old Remington Cotton Samplers. I asked him not to include a shield because I loved the slick look of the ebony. Plus, it offers a great grip whether dry or wet.