what's a good wood for knive handles??

[crazell]

would cedar be a good wood to use for handles?  i have an old jewelery box that's made of cedar. it's not in the best shape these days. pulling apart at the seams.

[William]

It would not be my first choice.

[crazell]

William thanks for the reply. is it because it's soft and not very durable?

[William]

William thanks for the reply. is it because it's soft and not very durable?

If it's the kind used for cedar trunks, the wood tends to split too easily plus the aromatic oils in the wood can cause skin irritation for some folks.  If used for a knife handle it would need a heavy clear coat sealer which tends to looks kinda plastic, not very desirable in my opinion.

[crazell]

gotcha William.. see,ask a question and get an answer.. you gotta love this site !!!

[William]

gotcha William.. see,ask a question and get an answer.. you gotta love this site !!!

It's a beautiful wood for making trunks and things with but not for something you are going to be in contact with a lot.

[DandJofAZ]

Knife handle wood?? Elm, walnut, curley maple...all work well..

Doug

[crazell]

Doug them are some nice knives. have one similar to the bottom one..  

[Rocky]

I have a couple of pieces of curly maple, be glad to send'em to ya. Just PM me.

[crazell]

Well after a long wait and time, the handles are 97% done. Need to seal the handles. I'm going to use linseed oil on them.Here are the pics.,.
I had the knife maker in our clan work on these and he did a wonderful job. I had to sand paper them down to where i wanted the finish. Then to seal them. I would love to take the credit for this work, but i can't. I messed up a set of handles , then decided to be smart about it and have him do it.I'd like to here what you think of these knives's now.

[crazell]

Well they are finished for now. Put some linseed oil on the handles. 4-5 coats with the oil. Here are a couple pics.,.
Thanks all of you for your insight and suggestions..
Ron

[William]

I dig the one in the middle the most and like the way the linseed oil has darkened the wood.

[crazell]

Here are the finished knives's and there sheath's.,.As soon as my wife decides where she wants her patch knive attached(on her possibles bag or strap) I'll post a picture.
Thank you for allowing me to share these projects from start to finish.
Ron