West Woods Handles

garry3 said:
I believe we export a lot of lumber to China. I wouldn't be surprised if they are selling it back to us. How it could be economically feasible to cross the ocean twice I have no idea.
http://www.hardwoodweb.com/export/html/HWWExportLumber.html
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I've inspected plenty enough native woods over the past 35 years to suspect that this 'hickory' was not of a type I'm familiar with. And no it isn't at all like oak, beech, birch, maple, ash or one of the others either.
 
300Six said:
I've inspected plenty enough native woods over the past 35 years to suspect that this 'hickory' was not of a type I'm familiar with. And no it isn't at all like oak, beech, birch, maple, ash or one of the others either.
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I don't question your judgement at all 300.
Who would have ever thought that we would see the day that the Chinese would be selling us hickory handles?
 
garry3 said:
Who would have ever thought that we would see the day that the Chinese would be selling us hickory handles?
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Sad but true, it seems:

JINGANG INDUSTRY CO.,LIMITED
Tools Handles Manufacturer

pl11788732-hickory_wood_handle_for_felling_axe_hickory_wood_handle_for_camping_axe.jpg

caption: "China hickory wood handle for felling axe, hickory wood handle for camping axe supplier"


Product Details:
Place of Origin: Shandong
Brand Name: Jingang
Certification: GS
Model Number: A613, A601 All types handles
Payment & Shipping Terms:
Minimum Order Quantity: 1000pcs
Packaging Details: Export Carton or Pallet
Delivery Time: 30days
Payment Terms: T/T, LC
Supply Ability: 10000pcs/day

Note the last line: 10,000 pieces per day.
 
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junkenstien said:
Where do you find That? I see 20,18,15
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Since I was not quoted in your post, I cannot be 100% certain if this was a reply to my previous post (#40) or not. However, my only point in listing the shipping rates was to give examples of what the seller is charging. Readers can make their own conclusions on price. I did not say or mean to imply that it was a list of what handle lengths are being produced.

My information came from what was available on ebay yesterday at the time of my post. Here is what is listed at 8:10 this morning still showing the same three:



This is all I know about the handle lengths offered.


Bob
 
I just opened my last invoice from House. I had ordered 4 blanks "hand picked". Total with shipping was $46. Divided by 4 items that's $11.50 per blank. I dunno if that's horrible or not - it's expensive but as hobbies go, pretty cheap. The only issue was, and the reason I haven't ordered another one is, not all of them were acceptable. A blank in my opinion, must be a full 2x4 inches and if I pay extra for a hand picked blank it can't have massive run out or only measure 1-1/2 inches or be checked all to hell.
 
garry3 said:
Who would have ever thought that we would see the day that the Chinese would be selling us hickory handles?
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Curious development with regard to increased global trade. I'll be very curious to hear how commercial hickory that is native to China stacks up against 'yer good ole' Shagbark Hickory. Over the past 25 years I had already noticed inexpensive Chinese claw hammers that feature some really durable relative of our White Oak.
 
cityofthesouth said:
I just opened my last invoice from House. I had ordered 4 blanks "hand picked". Total with shipping was $46. Divided by 4 items that's $11.50 per blank. I dunno if that's horrible or not - it's expensive but as hobbies go, pretty cheap. The only issue was, and the reason I haven't ordered another one is, not all of them were acceptable. A blank in my opinion, must be a full 2x4 inches and if I pay extra for a hand picked blank it can't have massive run out or only measure 1-1/2 inches or be checked all to hell.
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You'd think they could electronically transmit various photographic previews of premium blanks from which to choose, before they get boxed and shipped! If one of these outfits was near me I'd volunteer to oversee the custom order desk because none of this is rocket science!
 
I'm only a state away but it's really not worth a 4 hour drive one way for me to pick up some handles/blanks. But I understand they are happy to have people stop by and pick out their own stuff, which is cool. Gas or shipping, it all kinda comes out in the wash.
 
The shipping on boards costs more than the boards themselves. So you kind of have to buy a bunch to get the per-board shipped cost down.
 
From what I have seen so far these West Wood handles seem to be of good quality. Just limited in offerings at this time.

When I go dig through the handles at the hardware store maybe one in ten will have the grain running correctly. It seems to be on accident. They have steadily became thicker over the last forty years probably because they are quicker to manufacture. Things have gone so far down hill I am just happy when I get decent wood. I can fix the rest. How match harder is it to align the grain correctly on the lathe? How much more time would it take to turn a handle thinner? Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

I don't know if I should be blaming the consumers for the quality of what is found in the hardware stores, the manufacturers or a little of both? It's no wonder China has intered our market.
 
Kevin Houtzager said:
I wish I could buy it at those prices. Over here in Holland its about €22,-- ($25). To get you one in 1 size only: "36. As for the grain: if your in luck, it'll be good, most of the time it isn't, it is about 2 inches thick though, as the handles are shaped like a club. Hand picking isn't even an option over here, as well as different sized hickory handles.
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That does suck, and I understand the frustration. Even with these options I can't get what I want. That's what lead me to making my own handles. There's no denying that it's a lot of work but I encourage anyone to try it.

So, does West Woods know about this thread? You think they would be interested in selling blanks? Based on the other thread that Steve just started it's pretty clear to me that not everyone wants to spend a bunch of time on their handles, so obviously it's not like everyone is interested in blanks or rough turned handles. All the same, a few of us are. I don't personally have a problem paying $12 for a blank so long as it's a pretty consistent product.

And the offer to create a pattern stands. I can make it from the Locust I have on hand.
 
rjdankert said:
Well, that is confusing to me. I never mentioned "10+ lb." pieces. Please direct your comment to the appropriate poster.

Thanks!


Bob
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You are the appropriate poster. You didn't mention 10+ lb. Pieces of wood, Bob, but you did mention shipping cost on a hickory blank/billet. A blank for a full sized handle is going to weight around 10 lbs., and from past experiences, shipping is exorbitant.
 
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