What kind of wood do you like for your High End Knives?

[Burl Source]

The standard way to cut blocks or scales would be to follow the grain. With figured wood usually try to have the faces show the quarter sawn surface (cut perpendicular to the outer surface of the log). With burl I try to have the faces show the flat sawn surface (cut parallel to the outer surface of the burl).

These are not hard and fast rules. It all depends on the look you want. Palm looks coolest if cross cut to show end grain.
The scales you showed are atypical but give a look some people like. I have had requests for walnut scales cut like this. When finished it can look like layers stacked on each other.

 

[Starkman1]

Ironwood is awesome, but not necessarily that chatoyant
Bill

I had Jerry Lairson use it on an order, and specifically asked for a piece that had a lot of gold chatoyancy and when silicon bronze is used in the fittings it really looks good. I sacrificed some of the figure in the wood for the gold chatoyancy. All the lighter colors are a beautiful gold, the pic does not do the wood justice.
Bob

 

[billf]

That Lairson is a beauty !

If you are lucky enough to have ironwood that does have chatoyance, then you are GTG!

 

[Phillip Dobson]

The best thing about gold-colored ironwood is it's beautiful, shimmering, chatoyance. The biggest problem I have is how it darkens with use.

This handle looks alive when moved around in the light.

On a different topic, I sometimes cut a piece of wood in an unorthodox direction so the grain will compliment the curves of the knife.

 

[Starkman1]

Philip...that's the stuff:thumbup:...my personal preference.

 

[hickman1]

personally, I like a good amount of figure, such as fiddleback or burl, chatoyancy is a plus as well, species of wood is not as important to me. But then I am not in the niche of most people that checked in here, no customs, or even high end production knives. The most expensive knife I own is my Kershaw Scallion with composite blade... I speak from a gun guys point of view, and an amateur woodworking pov as well

 

[RogerP]

A woody pic from my photo archives. Variety is the spice of life.

Roger

 

[Kevin Jones]

Bob, that Lairson is a good looking knife.
He makes some amazing damascus patterns.