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The Newbies Arena Are you new to knife making? Here is all the help you will need.

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Old 04-10-2014, 07:31 AM
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miketheknife miketheknife is offline
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Wood for Scales

As a few of yall know Central NC had a very nast ice storm in March. There are trees down everywhere. I have seen a bunch of Crepe Myrtle trees stacked on the side of the road. Here comes the questions, Has anyone ever used this type of wood for scales? I understand that the wood is wet and will need to season and then be stabilized.
I also have picked up some holly and some chuncks of other wood that I know will make a good handle scale.

Thanks, Mike
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Old 04-10-2014, 08:45 AM
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I have used myrtle burl many times. I don't know that plain myrtle wood would be visually interesting as a knife handle but it would be serviceable ...


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Old 04-10-2014, 11:01 PM
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I agree with Ray, it is good handle wood. Try to find pieces that are 'burly', convoluted in shape as opposed to straight sections. Also, the 'crotch' where 2 or more limbs come together often has interesting grain, as do roots...


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Old 04-11-2014, 06:24 AM
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Root swell is best place to look for myrtle burl. Just remember to cut oversize to allow for shrinkage and cracking/splitting. Seal end grain with thick lacquer or wax and dry slowly - rack in attic works well if you are patient. Is a bit soft and will give best results being stabilized as mentioned.
Be prepared to go through some chains on your saw as roots are full of grit/stone. Pressure washing first helps somewhat. I usually use an axe to reduce the outside "punk" wood (holds most of the grit) before cranking the saw.
You'll start wondering if it's cost effective after the first stump........and it's like all the rest of knifemaking - you better want to do it regardless just to see the final results.

ps- don't over look any of the larger red bud stumps, rare, but well worth the effort.


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Old 04-11-2014, 07:16 AM
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Thanks for the info guys! I wonder if my wife would miss her large red bud in the back yard if I dug it up?
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Old 04-11-2014, 05:47 PM
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Holly has a nice uniform white color to it that might look good for spacers .It is somewhat sought after by woodcarvers.
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