Washington state woods for knife handle/scales

Wilsonhome

Wilsonhome

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Good evening to everyone. This is the first thread I have started so hope I don't hose it up somehow.

There seems to be a number of members from Washington state on the forum and I'm hoping someone can give me a little help.

I am having a knife made for a very good friend who is quite attached to the great state of Washington. What wood would one of you suggest that might be representative of the state? I looked up the official state tree, but that didn't help.

We have been up to his family's place a number of times and I know I remember a lot of maple trees with big burls on them. Is there something else that might better represent the state, or is that the way to go?

Thanks!
 
I've seen madrona finished up very nicely - it might be appreciated if your friend's from the wet side!
 
Thanks guys! I remember they have madrona trees & firs on their property as well as the maples. I think they also had alders. I am going do a little bit of research on using those on knife scales. Haven't seen on a knife before so will try to hunt down som pics.
 
Our maples are big leaf which is a soft maple. Not sure if it would stand up to use so well but I don't know. We do have yew but I'm not sure how well that does as a knife material either. Maybe one of the makers will be kind enough to chime in.

Edit: I just remembered seeing "birch bay" on my way back from Canada today. If birch is native that might be your best bet. What a coincidence. :)
 
Burled or spalted maple can make a very nice handle.

Birch is very good too, though not quite as decorative, it's very stable. strong and water and shrink-resistant.
 
A friend of mine that grew up on the coast of Washington wants me to make him one with Madrona. He's always looking for a local piece when he goes back home.
 
Vine maple is pretty hardy, and not bad looking when finished.

My brother has handled a few knives in yew... it is very functional, but his are very plain looking.

One of our fine makers around the custom arena may give you better direction.

Now if you were going to BURN some wood, we Washingtonians would be brimming with suggestions.
 
Velitrius said:
Vine maple is pretty hardy, and not bad looking when finished.

My brother has handled a few knives in yew... it is very functional, but his are very plain looking.

One of our fine makers around the custom arena may give you better direction.

Now if you were going to BURN some wood, we Washingtonians would be brimming with suggestions.
Click to expand...

We visited over Christmas and burned quite a bit in tHeir wood stove. Unfortunately, I've become such a city boy over the last few decades I can't even tell you what we burned. I remember that, once upon a time, I could actually identify a number of trees. At least the local ones in Texas, Arkansas & Oklahoma.
 
That's okay, Wilsonhome... we'll keep the home fires burning for when you visit next.

If you've ever seen a medrona burl, I think you'd be most impressed. I don't know how common it is, but google it up and see.

By chance, are you having a Washington knifemaker craft this piece?
 
Velitrius said:
Vine maple is pretty hardy, and not bad looking when finished.

My brother has handled a few knives in yew... it is very functional, but his are very plain looking.

One of our fine makers around the custom arena may give you better direction.

Now if you were going to BURN some wood, we Washingtonians would be brimming with suggestions.
Click to expand...

I like yew a lot actually. It's low key but still sleek and elegant, not in your face like cocobolo or osage orange.
 
155440 said:
I like yew a lot actually. It's low key but still sleek and elegant, not in your face like cocobolo or osage orange.
Click to expand...

Precisely the reason the brother likes it. He calls it "familiar" and "comfortable".

Strange terms for wood if you ask me, but he's a logger... what ya gonna do?
 
Velitrius said:
That's okay, Wilsonhome... we'll keep the home fires burning for when you visit next.

If you've ever seen a medrona burl, I think you'd be most impressed. I don't know how common it is, but google it up and see.

By chance, are you having a Washington knifemaker craft this piece?
Click to expand...

I need to do some research and find some great Washington State knife makers. I am having John Kiedaisch (of JK Handmade) make this one.
 
I am going to see if I can find some Medrona or Yew to get a look at and have burled maple as a back up.

Thanks for all the help!
 
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