Question about wood handles

[HardTripper]

When wood us used as a handle material is it always stabilized wood? How long would non stabilized wood last if well cared for? Thanks in advance.

 

[james terrio]

When wood us used as a handle material is it always stabilized wood? How long would non stabilized wood last if well cared for? Thanks in advance.

No, not always. Many woods are naturally dense, stable and oily, so they don't require stabilization.

A nicely made "plain" wooden handle will outlast us all if it's kept reasonably clean and dry.

 

[HardTripper]

No, not always. Many woods are naturally dense, stable and oily, so they don't require stabilization.

A nicely made "plain" wooden handle will outlast us all if it's kept reasonably clean and dry.

Thanks for the response. Would walnut be one of those naturally stable handles by any chance?

 

[Poez]

Walnut is commonly used for knife handles in its "natural form". I would recommend though to cover the finished handle with something like Danish Oil or Tung Oil: they highlight the grain and protect the wood from excessive moisture and dirt. Nothing bad will happen if you do not protect it. But the stuff is easily obtainable from Home Depot or Rona and it is so easy to do: so why not!

 

[HardTripper]

I have linseed oil for my axe, I'll try that.

 

[james terrio]

Thanks for the response. Would walnut be one of those naturally stable handles by any chance?

Yup! I like walnut very much. It can be stabilized, but doesn't really need it. Several applications of linseed oil should do a fine job of sealing it up; I use Danish oil myself.

 

[Wet Noodle]

Anyone try beeswax?
I've used it on chisel handles I've made and it seems to work fine.
Pros?
Cons?

 

[PB Wilson]

Unstabilized hardwood will last a long time even with just a minimum amount of care. Take a look at your wood pile and see how many woods fare in the elements. Gunstocks and tool handles often take a beating and stand up season after season. Yes, they are bigger pieces of wood and it isn't exactly an apples to apples comparison but wood in and of itself is a great material.

The issues seem to be looks and the effects of swelling and shrinking affecting the bond to the blade itself. If you don't care about keeping it looking pristine, you're all set with just some sort of oil finish. A bit of light sanding and additional applications of oil should keep it intact. If it doesn't see too much of the extremes that mother nature can dish out it ought to hold up just fine. Peening the pins or using something like corby bolts may keep a handle together better too. Treat your knife with care and you'll be all set.

By the way, I LOVE walnut for most anything made of wood. I'm working on a stash from two trees felled at my childhood home. Lots of gorgeous lumber just waiting to be put to good use. Lots of it is plain jane (which is still nice looking) but some near the base and near forks is supremely figured. It's amazing stuff to behold.

Here's some of the figured stuff in the top panel. Wood this wild isn't all that stable and there are some checks on the underside, but damn, it was worth it to showcase this piece of nature.

 

[matt1987]

Indeed wood will last a long time. Head over to the traditional forum and you'll see knives made in the 1800s to 1900s with wooden handles. Usually the blades are worn but the wood handle is still in great shape.

 

[HardTripper]

Nice wood there Wilson I'm happy with what you guys are telling me, its not much of an investment. Condor sapien, quite excited even though its a glorified Mora type knife. Noodle I use beeswax on my leather sheaths, this will be my first wood handle so never tried that.

 

[lambertiana]

It depends on the wood, but some unstabilized wood will last a lifetime. This is typical of the 100+ year old knives in my collection (I love ebony!).

 

[HardTripper]

It depends on the wood, but some unstabilized wood will last a lifetime. This is typical of the 100+ year old knives in my collection (I love ebony!).

Oh man that's sweet, love traditionals and wish I had more. I have Utica sportsman that was my grandfather's and an imperial filet folder as well.

 

[Humppa]

As lambertiana already told - ebony doesn´t need to be stabilized in any way and mostly isn´t (as far as I know).

There are many other woods that don´t need to be stabilized to make a good and durable wood.

@HardTripper: A nice traditional knife is always a great piece...