Use of Soft Woods For Handle...?

[bradrian]

I know that it's best to use fairly dense, hard woods for knife handles, primarily because knives tend to get bunged around. However, I've got a sentimental project that breaks that rule and am wondering if anybody's got some advice.

I've got parts from an old apple crate that has been passed down to me for generations and I want to incorporate that wood into scales for my Boker Magnum. I'm sure the wood is crummy pine or some such low-grade type, but it sure would be a neat keepsake if there were a way to strengthen it with epoxy or some other fairly hardy concoction.

Anybody ever tried to use wood this soft?

 

[stitchawl]

Apple is technically a 'hardwood.' As is, surprisingly, Balsa wood! However, Apple really is relatively firm enough for handles if the knife isn't going to be abused.

 

[vilePossum]

i'd say get it stabilized. you can do it yourself but you need a vacuum bell/assembly, but i think there are also people offering services for that. i think there is a subforum in the bladesmith section for requesting services. i think jess hoffman who is also on this forum offers a service like that for example (http://www.jhoffmanknives.com/about-j-hoffman-knives.html)