new wood!!
^^^silver and black dymondwood (plywood)
One of the most durable, stable and moisture resistant handle materials available. Dymondwood is composed of multiple thin layers of wood , dyed and impregnated with resins under high pressure. Colors are deep and vibrant. For full tang knives, these slabs are provided in 3/8" x 1 1/2" x 10" pieces. The ebony Dymondwood is made from actual thin veneers of real ebony and is very black!
^^^wenge
The heartwood is dark brown, almost black. On the quartersawn surface, fine pencil-thin, light tan lines interspersed with blackish brown stripes make the surface appear as if it has been stroked by the fine claws of some wild jungle animal. On the tangential surface, the light lines show up as undulating streaks, like waves on the water. Orientation of the grain is an important consideration to show the wood at its best. Wenge is straight grained, and very coarse textured, similar to the slivers from bamboo flooring.
^^^rubber
NEW! The hot and popular new handle material: Rubber! Recently shown at the 2007 Knifemakers Guild Show high impact cutting demonstration by several of the top contestants. ( They called their handles horse stall mat because that's what they were cut from. This is the same material without the parallel grooves cut into horse stall mat for water run off). If you're going to use your knife hard, day in and day out, this is the knife handle material to choose. Slip resistant in the cold and wet, and provides a comfortable feeling cushion that will prevent your hand from getting fatigued. Can be worked with your normal tools and if you use your belt sander, it has the added benefit of cleaning your belt. Supplied as a pair of 5" x 1 1/2" x 3/8" thick
^^^Texas Mesquite (front and backside pics)
Mesquite Lumber is difficult to cut and dry and downgrading in the process is common, but it does produce a hard and strong wood with high bending and crushing strengths when successful. It has a relatively strong grain pattern with some interesting swirls when you get around the limb buds. It can exhibit some of the traditional figures such as quilted and fiddleback if you are lucky.
Mesquite lumber can vary significantly in color depending on the source ranging from pale straw to medium chocolate or redish brown and some with almost a deep purple tinge. Be specific in your requests if you are trying to match a new wood purchase with say exiting mesquite wood flooring.
Thinking about the lumber typically sourced in Texas, mesquite wood is never found in particularly long lengths. Higher grades are rare and expensive. Mesquite Veneers are equally expensive when you can find them.
