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There are many different types of wood you can use for knife handles. Some woods are better than others, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.
First, is this knife handle for kitchen knives, hunting knives, or ornamental knives? The best wood for knife handles changes depending on the style of knife handles you are making. Kitchen knives need wooden handles from stable woods and generally the best wood to keep from attracting bacteria and insect infestation.
A hunting knife really needs wooden knife handles that are moderately durable, and have a firm grip. The wood can be a beautiful golden brown Oak handle or Walnut wood is the preferred material but a Maple burl, Cocobolo wood, a Birch wood laminate, or even an exotic wood can be used on even a hunting knife.
Ornamental knives have the most beautiful wood like Maple burl, Cardinal wood, Olive wood, Cherry wood, Amboyna burl, Bocote wood, Ebony wood, or a Rosewood handle.
If you want a more classic look, you might want to consider using wood like Indian Rosewood, African Blackwood, and Ebony wood which is almost completely black. These woods have a beautiful dark color that will make your knife stand out. They are also very strong and durable, so your knife will last for years. The only downside is they make for a more expensive knife.
Making wooden knife handles is a form of art, get creative making knife handles if you are good enough knife users won't mind the heavy price tag!
Stabilized woods like a Birch Laminate are beautiful and have great water-resistant properties. A textured grip on durable wood is a good choice for a firm grip on knife handles under frequent use.
A durable knife is important for hunting knives and kitchen knives, the knife handle material is the only thing that keeps the knife users from losing control and getting hurt. Real knife lovers prefer wood for knife handles over metal handles and synthetic materials because the knife user has a better feel of the knife in the hand with wooden handles.
Just as there are different types of stones with their own unique properties, so too does wood have a variety that can be exploited for artistry. Some woods offer more contrast than others; this means if you want your knife to stand out against the crowd then choosing an ugly stick isn't going to cut it!
The best wood for knife handles come in all shapes and sizes depending on what design elements appeal most - whether intricate carvings or just some simple engraving--and each has its own character which ensures lasting value over time.
If you want a stunning handle that will turn heads, then you should consider using some of the best wood for knife handles. Crafting handles and picking the wood type will bring knife enthusiasts from far and wide asking for that perfect combination!
We will discuss some of the most beautiful and exotic woods that make great handles!
The Most Beautiful Wood Types For Custom Knives
Bookmatched Ironwood (Burl Ball Pattern)
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Imagine the best wooden handles. Our wood block set is the most functional for making your fantasy come to life. These Ironwood carving blocks are the best handle scales you will find on the market. With a variety of colors and textures, there is a perfect set of handle scales for every knife enthusiast.
Bookmatched Natural Wood Scales
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If you're looking for wooden knife handles, this Exotic Olive Wood set is the best of the best. These premium wood blocks are perfect for both professionals and beginners. With a smooth surface and the perfect size for ornamental turnings and small wood projects, this set of two blocks is all you need to make your beautiful masterpiece. Exotic Olive Wood is the most functional wood for making your own knife handles. So don't waste your time searching & trying your luck - try the Exotic Olive Wood set and see what amazing things will come out of it!
Snakewood Exotic Natural Wood
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Snakewood is a striking, unique wood that's perfect for knife handles. The best thing about it is that no two pieces are alike - each one is a true original. Snakewood is also one of the hardest, densest woods available, making it durable and long-lasting. It has a Janka Hardness rating of 3800 lb(f), so you can rest assured knowing that your knife will withstand years of use.
Because it's sold as a book-matched pair cut from a single block, you can be sure that your handle scales will be perfectly matched. Each piece is at least 5" x 1-1/2" x 3/8", so you'll have plenty of material to work with. Snakewood is the perfect choice for anyone looking for beautiful, durable wood handles.
Aibote 2pcs Blue/Grey Colored Wood
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Colored wood is one of the best materials you can use for wooden knife handles. It has a solid wood texture that looks great, and it's a stabilized wood that is just as durable as G10. Plus, it's easy to work with – you can carve, engrave, or scrimshaw it without any problems.
If you're looking for a unique handle, color wood is the way to go. There are plenty of different woods to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your knife.
Just make sure to get the right size – 150mm x 40mm x 10mm is the ideal dimension for most knife handles.
In this picture, this premium material has been machined/polished/waxed to show you what the wood handle will be like when finished. They are sent to you Rough Sawed.
Bookmatched Ironwood Knife Scales
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Ironwood is a great wood for wooden handles, and the Exotic Ironwood set from Whittle Wood is the best of the best. These wood blocks are a perfect size and shape for your project, and the smooth surface is ideal for carving. With this set, you can turn your Ironwood blocks into a beautiful work of art. The Exotic Ironwood set is the most functional and user-friendly set on the market, and it's perfect for anyone who loves to carve. If you're looking for the best wood for knife handles, look no further than the Exotic Ironwood set from Whittle Wood.
Aibote 1 Pair Desert Ironwood Wood Knife Handle Scales
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Desert Ironwood is the premium high-grade material you need! With excellent insulation and acid and alkali-resistant properties, it's easy to see why this is the best wood for handles.
It can be engraved, carved, or scrimshawed, and is easy to cut, shape, drill, and buff. Plus, it makes for a very beautiful installation effect! Whether you're looking for handle scales or full knife handles.
Bookmatched Zebrawood Knifes Scales, Handle Blank Exotic Knife Scales Wood
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Zebrawood is a dense hardwood that's one of the best wood for knife scales. It's durable and strong, yet still light enough to provide a comfortable grip. The wood is also very moisture resistant, so it won't shrink or warp over time.
Zebrawood is best known for its distinctive striped grain pattern, with the light yellow and darker brown, it just adds a touch of style to any knife. If you're looking for one of the most durable woods, Zebrawood is an excellent choice for a wooden handle.
Purpleheart Knife Scales - 2 Pack
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If you're looking for the best wood for knife scales, you can't go wrong with purpleheart. This type of wood is incredibly strong and durable, making it ideal for high-use items like knife handles.
In addition, purpleheart is best known for its amazing grain pattern and unique color alongside its rival Cherry wood which is softer and not good for making handles.
As a result, it's not surprising that purpleheart is often used for decorative woodworking projects. Whether you're making a set of handle scales or simply looking for some beautiful wood to use in your next project, purpleheart is a great option.
Padauk Knife Scales - 3/8"x1.5x5" - 2 Pack
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Padauk, a hardwood from Africa is quite popular among hobbyist woodworkers because of its unique color and low cost. It's over one-third harder than red oak but just under eighteen percent as tough; it approaches five percent for Wenge (which makes up most Hardwoods) seventy-eight Mahogany degrees in terms of stiffness with exceptional stability to boot!
DymaLux Knife Scale, Charcoal, 3/8" x 1-1/2" x 5" (2-Piece)
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The lightweight, durable resin-infused birch laminate is a perfect material for making knife handles for the demanding customer. This stabilized wood is water, heat, and shock resistant making it perfect for custom knives as well as an infusing process that yields no topcoat finish necessary - this product will withstand anything you can throw at it and is gorgeous!
Marblewood 1" x 1-1/2" x 5" Knife Scale 1-Piece
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Marblewood is a great material for crafting knife handles because it is strong and durable. Woodcraft is America's leading supplier of saws, planes, power tools, hand tools, wood stain and paint, routers, sanding, wood, kits, dust collection, and more. There are many different types of wood that can be used for handles, but some of the best include Maple, Ebony, and Rosewood. Wood handles are often finished with a high luster to show off the natural beauty of the wood. They can also be carved or turned to create unique designs. If you're looking for a new knife handle or handle scale, be sure to check out Woodcraft's selection of the best wood for knife handles.
Black Walnut Wood Knife Scales Knife Handle (Pair), Knifemaking
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Black walnut is a good wood for knife scales because it is both beautiful and durable if used inside. I would suggest something harder and with a smaller grain for outdoors unless you are only going to use the knife sporadically. Our black walnut handle scales are sustainably harvested by the Wisconsin Amish and kiln dried to ensure that they are ready to shape.
Each scale is 3/8" thick, 1.5" wide, and 5" long, making them the perfect size for most handles. We go out of our way to find figured walnut, so many of our sets will have interesting grain patterns. Bookmatched sets are especially popular because they create a symmetrical and pleasing look.
Whether you are a professional knife maker or just looking to upgrade your kitchen knives, our black walnut handle scales are an excellent choice.
Curly Hard Maple Knife Scales (3/8"x1.5" x5) - 2 Pack
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When it comes to choosing a wood for knife handles, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll want to make sure that the wood is strong and durable enough to withstand regular use. Second, you'll want to make sure that the wood is dense enough to provide a good grip. And finally, you'll want to make sure that the wood is light enough so that it doesn't add too much weight to the knife.
With those criteria in mind, many people believe that handle scales made from kiln-dried hardwoods are some of the best options out there. Kiln-drying helps to remove any moisture from the wood, making it stronger and less likely to warp or crack over time. And because kiln-dried hardwoods are so dense, they provide an excellent grip even when wet. If you're looking for handle scales that tick all of those boxes you can't go wrong with Curly Hard Maple!
Orange Hardwood Bookmatched Natural Wood Knife Scales - Exotic Wood Knife Handle Scales
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Great for knife handles, the Exotic Orange Hardwood set is just right. These beautiful wooden blocks are a perfect size and shape for carving into ornamental turnings or small details into your wooden handle.
The smooth surface and durability of the hardwood make it the perfect material for knife handles. So stop searching and get the Exotic Orange Hardwood set for your next knife handle project!
Wenge Wood Knife Scales
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If you're looking for something for your next set of knife handles, you'll want to choose a hardwood with high colorfastness. A Maple is a good option, as it's rated at 9(0-10) on the hardness scale and 4(0-4) for colorfastness. It's also easy to find maple wood in hobbly shops, as it's a popular choice for handle scales.
However, if you're willing to pay a bit more, you can get exotic woods like Bubinga or Purpleheart. These woods are even harder than maple, making them extremely durable. They also have beautiful figuring that will add a unique touch to your knives.
Knife handles need to be tough because they see a lot of abuse. They need to be able to withstand the repeated force of being pounded with a hammer and the stress of being screwed onto a metal tang.
They also need to be comfortable to hold, and they need to look good. Of all the woods that can be used for knife handles, Cocobolo is one of the best. It's hard, so it won't suffer from excessive wear and tear. And it's dense, so it won't absorb shock as readily as some other woods.
It's also very strong, so it can handle a lot of torque without breaking. In addition, Cocobolo is highly resistant to water damage and rot, making it an excellent choice for use in wet environments. And finally, it has a beautiful range of colors, from deep reds to rich browns, that can add a touch of elegance to any knife.
Olive Exotic Natural Wood Knife Handle Scales
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The photo is a good representation of what the scales will look like; your pair won't be exactly as pictured because we sell one-of-a-kind items. Diverse patterns in darker tan against lighter yellow/golden background, sometimes figured with curly or wild grain that has been burled (or twisted). Olive's Janka Hardness rating 1600 lbs. While it is very hard it is prone to insect infestation.
These beautiful, one-of-a-kind Japanese Maple Scales are perfect for anyone who wants to add some diversity and character to their workshop or home. These Olive scale pieces have been sanded before being shipped off so all we need now is your sealant-- either clearcoat paint itself onto these babies after bringing out tones through decoration and any design you decide to carve into them!
FAQs
Is oak a good wood for a knife handle?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best wood for a knife handle. Oak wood is a strong and durable hardwood, making it a good choice for a knife handle. However, oak wood can be difficult to work with and may require special tools and techniques. Additionally, oak handles may not be as comfortable as some other materials. If you're looking for the best possible performance from your knife, another material may be a better choice. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what's important in a knife handle and choose the material that best suits your needs.
Is Maple good for knife handles?
There are a few different kinds of wood that are commonly used for handles, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Maple is one of the more popular options, thanks to its durability and attractive grain patterns.
One of the main considerations when choosing wood for a knife handle is how well it will stand up to repeated use. Maple is very hardwood, so it won't show wear as quickly as some other options. It's also resistant to moisture, which can be an issue with other types of wood.
Another plus for maple is its beauty. The grain patterns in maple are very striking and can add a real touch of elegance to a knife. Depending on the exact variety of maple used, the colors can vary from light beige to dark brown, making it a versatile choice for any knife.
Is Birch a good wood for knife handles?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it largely depends on personal preferences. That said, birch is certainly a popular choice for handles and there are several reasons why it might be a good option for you.
Birch is strong and durable, yet still relatively lightweight, making it ideal for knives that will see a lot of use. It's also very easy to work with, so if you're looking to make your own knife handle, birch is an excellent material to use.
Another benefit of birch is that it has a very appealing grain pattern. This can give your knife a really unique and stylish look that sets it apart from the rest.
Of course, there are many other types of wood that can be used for handles. If you're looking for a material that is strong and durable, oak wood is a good option. If you're looking for a material with a beautiful grain pattern, maple is a great choice.
Is Walnut good for knife handles?
Yes, walnut is a good wood for handles. It's strong and dense, making it resistant to wear and tear. In addition, it has a rich color and nice grain that can add visual interest to a knife handle.
Some of the best woods for knife handles include walnut, rosewood, ebony, and maple. These woods are all strong and durable, with beautiful grains that make them attractive options for knife handles.
Can you use Cedar for a knife handle?
There are a lot of different types of wood that can be used for knife handles. Some of the best woods include rosewood, ebony, and cocobolo. However, cedar is also a good option.
Cedar is a great choice because it is durable and has a nice appearance. It also has a pleasant smell that can help keep your knives smelling fresh. Cedar is also resistant to moisture, which makes it a good choice for knife handles.
Is Ironwood good for knife handles?
Whether or not ironwood is good for knife handles depends on what you're looking for in a handle. If you're looking for beauty, then ironwood is an excellent choice. It has a very deep, rich color that is simply stunning.
Additionally, it's extremely strong and durable, so your knives will last for many years to come. However, if you're looking for the lightest weight possible, then ironwood may not be the best option. It's significantly heavier than other types of wood like balsa or basswood. So, it really comes down to what your priorities are when choosing wood for your knife handles. Whatever you decide, ironwood is sure to be a stunning addition to your kitchen!
Is Bloodwood good for knife handles?
There is no definitive answer to this question since different people have different preferences for making knife handles. However, bloodwood is a popular choice for knife handles because it is strong and durable, has a beautiful red color, darker than Cherry wood, and is resistant to moisture and rot. It is also relatively easy to work with, so it can be shaped into a variety of different designs.
How do you finish a wooden knife handle?
There are a few ways to finish a wooden knife handle. One of the most popular methods is to use boiled linseed oil. Boiled linseed oil will harden and protect the wood from moisture. It will also give the wood a nice shine.
Another method is to use a sealant such as wax, resin, or lacquer. This will help protect the wood from moisture and scratches. A sealant can also give the wood a nice shine.
Finally, you could use nothing at all and just let the natural oils in the wood protect it. This is not as effective as using oil or sealant, but it's still better than nothing.
How do you finish a knife handle?
There are a variety of ways that you can finish a knife handle, but the best way to do it is by using wood that is durable and easy to grip. hardwoods like maple or cherry are good choices for making knife handles because they are dense and have a tight grain that won’t splinter or crack over time. avoid using softwoods like pine or cedar as they will damage easily and won’t last as long.
When finishing a handle, you want to make sure that the wood is smooth and even so that it feels comfortable in your hand. Start by sanding the wood down with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until it feels smooth to the touch. Then, apply a sealant to give the wood handles a shine. A resin, lacquer, or polyurethane can be used as well.
