Support BladeForums! Paid memberships don't see ads! I have a question that will not stop rattling around. First we saw bolsters of metal, antler or Mother of Pearl, then synthetics like micarta. Why not wood bolsters on a fixed blade? Like Osage slabs with Bloodwood bolsters. Or Ironwood bolstered with Indian Rosewood. It might be a nice way to use up smaller bits of very nice burl. Just curious if there is a good reason I do not see this being done. Bill
It’s been done a few times and they look great. Below are a couple I think of every time it comes up. I lifted these pics from the forum so I hope that’s ok with the owners.
Yes! Yes! Yes! We do need more wood bolstered knives! There are not many out there and some vanished with members that are no longer around. Here are 3 that I have but 2 other awesome ones have passed through my hands on their way to better homes. I will admit that Micarta bolsters might make more sense from a durability standpoint because that area comes in contact with water more or maybe the smaller pieces are more fragile to work with but who cares wood bolsters are awesome. Two that got away
I remember seeing that Lil' Lady when it first came up last year. I normally prefer smaller bolsters, but this Lady is probably the most attractive of all the Fiddlebacks I've seen.
I really like the idea of the wooden bolster paired with of, say... Micarta!, or even another wood. I'd definitely love to see more of them show up from the various makers who read these forums!
