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#1
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Locating Ebony
I have a customer that is asking for a Custom Hunter with a piece of Ebony in the handle. I have never used ebony before and need to get going on this. Should have my shop ready to start back on knives within a week or so.
Any suggestions on What to use and where to get it ? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Shane |
#2
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Well, the one time I used Madagascar Ebony and had is crack on me, I checked here on the forums to find out that several people had very similar issues. Some even claimed that theirs was stabilized and still gave them problems. The recommedation was to use African Blackwood (also known as Ebony...afterall, there are over 400 varieties of "Ebony"). It seems to be a little more stable. It may not be as black in color, but instead with some occasional dark brown streaking. But still plenty dark enough to be considered black.
Because you said using a "piece" does that mean it won't be the entire handle, but more like a stacked one? Chris P.M. sent |
#3
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I got some ebony at Rockler woodworking that worked fine for small straight pieces, but it does crack when cutting radiuses. Sounds like Chris hit the nail on the head.
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#4
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Shane, I have quite a bit of native South Texas ebony in my inventory. It's been cut into usable pieces and dried inside for at least 8 years, so it's not likely to crack.
Makes a beautiful handle. Too dense and oily to stabilize. Just sand and buff paste wax into it for a finish. If you want some. let me know. |
#5
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If your customer specified "ebony", he is probably talking about the jet black, gaboon ebony of Africa. I have used it with no problems for 35 years, although it can be splintery if you aren't careful.
How big a piece do you need for this job, Shane? I would be glad to send you a small piece on me. |
#6
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I'd say Don is right - "true" ebony is the Gaboon variety and is EXTREMELY stable although some pieces can be a bit brittle (as to stability - it's the reason that GOOD gaboon is used/preferred for the fingerboard board on guitars, violins, and other stringed instruments).
For suppliers see luthier suppliers - they have the best supplys in my experience of this often mis-understood wood. Anytime it's says something other than gaboon you are not getting the real McCoy....... __________________ Chuck Burrows Hand Crafted Leather & Frontier Knives dba Wild Rose Trading Co Durango, CO chuck@wrtcleather.com www.wrtcleather.com The beautiful sheaths created for storing the knife elevate the knife one step higher. It celebrates the knife it houses. |
#7
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Thanks guys ! I did find some Gaboon Ivory and have purchased it. Im using it for a stacked hidden tang handle. Thanks for the input and offers from everyone.
Shane |
#8
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Shane, another place to check is Ebay. There is a guy called Fred's that sells a lot of nice Ebony plus other hardwoods. Pretty reasonably priced too.
Chris Nilluka |
#9
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Quote:
fnchouston is the sellers handle on e-bay http://stores.ebay.com/FREDS-FINE-WO...eNameZl2QQtZkm is his store. No experience with this seller,etc. |
#10
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Don is as nice as the come.
Steve |
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fixed blade, knives |
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