Carved Carving Knives

Captain_Bandaid · #1 01-02-2006, 07:49 PM

I got an idea from Helvie Knives for another of my home made carving knives. They offer a wooden handled version into which they will laser engrave your name. I think the handle is butternut. Has anyone used a knife with a butternut handle? Seems like it would be soft but maybe not. My thought is to carve the handle with a vine or celtic pattern. I have some walnut and rosewood but they are both more difficult to carve than butternut. Any comments?

Jon Harl · #2 01-03-2006, 12:59 AM

Of the three woods you mentioned Rosewood would be like carving a rock. Not impossible but very hard. Walnut is frequently used as a carving wood. It's hard but it tools well and holds detail just fine. I really don't think butternut would be too soft either. Of course it would be the easiest to carve. Try all three and see which you like. I'd probably eliminate the rosewood because it's a tropical hardwood and you would want to get it from sustainable yields. Also the dust is toxic.

Just Carving · #3 01-03-2006, 07:57 AM

I can't tell you much about any of the woods you mentioned--although I have some pieces of butternut that I am trying to get to. I have carved poplar and red oak for handles. Both work fine. Red oak is more grainy than poplar. The poplar sanded up nice and smooth compared to the red oak.

Bottom two poplar handles:
http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co.../My_knives.JPG

All red oak handles:
http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co...0/DSC00680.JPG

Mark N. Akers · #4 01-03-2006, 04:28 PM

I got a couple of the Helvie knives that have a butternut handle for carving
from the bishop's,just have not had time to carve them yet.

Captain_Bandaid · #5 01-03-2006, 07:44 PM

Well, I forged out a 1.25" sheepfoot blade from O1 tool steel this weekend. I will try gluing up a block of butternut and see what develops. Thanks for the feedback.

PS-I know from sad experience about the rosewood. It almost ate me up!

Plain_Ol_Ed · #6 01-03-2006, 07:59 PM

I've been laying in the grass on this one hoping somebody had experience with butternut as a handle. I've got four fixed blade knives that I need to handle and have been eyeing my supply of butternut but haven't dared try it. Keep us posted please.

wood-whittler · #7 01-03-2006, 08:20 PM

i had a fReind whom was a knifemaker and years ago when he was trying a new type of steel that he had gotten just right and could make a fine carving knife from had made me a set and used butternut to try out i gave them back to him and said the knives were great and traded them for walnut handles wish i had kept them now but the butternut was a good handle i think that if you use a good grade of glue on them they will be fine.

heck just make one and try it if it doesnt work you could salvage the blade and use something else.

BART

Plain_Ol_Ed · #8 01-03-2006, 08:58 PM

I've seen stranger things, like a pair of levi's. Admittedly it was on a folder, but -

Captain_Bandaid · #9 01-04-2006, 08:38 PM

I will post a picture when I get it done. I was going to use an antler tine but they are just too hard to hold on to. Butternut it is!

Captain_Bandaid · #10 01-14-2006, 02:42 PM

Well, I got the blade mounted in a piece of Butternut and shaped the handle. I took an instant dislike to it. I sanded the handle down smooth but butternut does not take a shine like harder woods do. It is extremely light weight. I pitched it into the trash. Next time I will use a hardwood like rosewood or even Osage. Butternut is fine for carving but not for knife handles.