Using African Blackwood with inclusions?

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
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I don't know if inclusion is the right term. Here is a pic of what it looks like.

african_blackwood_bark1.jpg



Maybe bark, although it seems denser than bark if not as dense as the blackwood itself.
My question is can this be used since it does not look to be as dense and might move much more with time than the dark portion?
 
I think it's the outer wood, the sapwood.

I've used blackwood a couple of times, never considered using that part, always just cut it off.
 
Personally, I like contrast in my handles, but I also like it to look intentional. To me that means the line of contrast has to go where I want it to go. Since that sapwood section is to thin, I'd cut/sand it out.
 
Sapwood is better than bark, I guess. :confused:
I won't discard it Greg. I see no reason I can't make it look intentional?:confused: I am sure I can find some way to to make it work in a project.

Thanks for the feedback guys.
 
Definitely sapwood Patrice.

Sapwood is sort of a double sided thing. Most collectors I know don't like it, because it's typically viewed as flawed wood. Almost always when you're talking about Blackwood. There are a few, like literally 3, that LIKE sapwood. :eek: ;)

There are some woods that end up with a pretty spectacular interface... specifically Amboyna burl. But unless that color varation is pretty much split down the middle of the block, it's REALLY tough to make it look intentional IN THE DESIGN. You can't avoid making it look like it was intentional in construction, but it's much harder to make it look like you integrated it into the design. Just my opinion... but my opinion on stuff like this has been influenced by the guys that are paying for me to get to keep making knives. ;) :D
 
Here's a piece of Amboyna with sapwood that I think could easily be made part of a design.... :) :cool:


Amboyna_Burl-natural_top.jpg
 
NickWheeler said:
...Most collectors I know don't like it, because it's typically viewed as flawed wood...
Click to expand...

Thanks Nick, that actually should have been my first question now that you mention it. Even IF (and it's a very big if like you mention) I could make it work, it's a lot of work for something that buyers won't be interested in.
That Amboyna sure is pretty! :D
 
Patrice,

I love the contrast. I like sapwood inclusions. I have a piece somewhere that I was wanting to use.
I came up with an artsy way to use it. :rolleyes:

My thought was to take the piece and slice it off in 3/8" or so slices after squaring it up, or, grinding it into an octagon.
Then stcking the pieces like a stacked washer handle rotating the pieces to make a somewhat of a mosaic handle like Mark Knapp makes.
I think it'd look like it was done on purpose and would be a great way to salvage a nice piece of wood.
The other way would be to design a knife with a round handle with the sapwood on the top center or bottom center of the handle.
It's beautiful wood. You must use it! :D
 
Shaughnessy said:
Patrice
Heres an example I like of sap wood on a handle ..... Very well done IMO :thumbup:


Dale_Done.jpg
Click to expand...
Very nice! That's what I mean about making it look intentional. Note how the line of contrast follows the shape of the grip. Sweet!
 
Thanks for the pic Larry, very nicely done by Mr. Goode.

Brian, looking forward to seeing you put that idea to work. :thumbup:
 
Will do Patrice!
Btw, I'm making an "art" knife thanks to you and Greg. Lol. Will have it done by next Friday for the OKCA show in Eugene.

Any more thoughts on what you'll do with that piece?
 
Not yet Brian. I do want to make a big brother to my latest small fighter and I will use African Blackwood but all black.

Now about that art knife, pics or it didn't happen of course.;)
 
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