What kind of wood?

S

Sansy

Joined
Oct 22, 2010
Messages
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Hi all, I just got into knife making after having a knife on me saved my life. It kinda sparked this huge interest in them I hadn't really had until then. Anyways, I have this piece of damascus that is blued. It kind of took me by surprise at how blue it is and there in lies the problem. I can't think of a good wood to use for the handle.

nothing seems to fit right with this swirly sky blue thing it has going on? Any suggestions or experience with this sort of thing or would I be better off with another material?:confused:
 
Once you grind it or touch it with abrasives, it won't be blue anymore, and the standard ferric chloride etching will be grey not blue..
 
I was wondering about that. Wasn't sure if it needed additional polishing or not but its such a nice color I didn't want to ruin anything with my novice hands. Only the 3rd knife I've done and hadn't come across this yet.

Thx for the info:) time to finish this thing then.
 
That is most likely the blue color from niter salts used in a tempering salt pot. The color is nice, but will rub off easily with most any abrasion. Best thing would be to sand with 400 grit ( you can go up the grits to 1000 if you wish), clean the blade well, and etch in FC or vinegar. FC will get a dark gray to charcoal black color, depending on the steel mix.Vinegar will be more subtle.

This will allow you to pick a wood to match. California Buckeye Burl ( stabilized, of course) work very well with damascus.
 
I was considering Buckeye actually. Funny you mentioned it. As for a knife saving my life...

I was deployed in Afganistan, some shit went down in a cave ect... Had a knife a friend had given me a week earlier and it was all I had to defend myself.

Before I remembered I had it I remember thinking I was useless in the fight and was kind of freaking out. No details on that but once I drew it having it on me made me feel secure enough to analyze the situation and we all got out relatively intact.

Funny thing is the knife is crap but you better believe I'll keep it forever.:D
 
Like anything in life, black goes with everything and ebony is a beautiful timber to work with.

Tim.
 
I went with a very dark brown black california buckeye burl. I'll post pics once I find all my tools and get it together. (just moved):D
 
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