Advice on handle material

[phatjohn]

I recently sent some Wenge to K&G for stabilization. Got the wood back and it's noticeably heavier now than when I sent it off. However, there are still some voids in the grain in the blocks I got back. My question is, should I worry about the voids since the wood has been stabilized or should I apply some sort of finish to fill them? If I should finish it, what should I use?

John

 

[HHH Knives]

John, Some species have a more open grain and even after stabilization, often here will be some voids in the grain. Or around the eyes on burl woods. etc.

You can use many things to fill. from super glue to finishing oils and even waxes.
Good luck and have fun!
Randy

 

[rhinoknives]

I use super glue in thick, medium and thin. also in Slow medium and fast curing times depending on the size of the voids etc.. in stabilized woods.
I hand sand over while the glue is wet to fill the voids in with wood sanding.

Hope this helps.

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com

 

[GHEzell]

That is the nature of wenge, and stabilizing won't change that. Some makers have taken advantage of the soft/hard nature of it and sandblasted or wire-brushed it to give it a dramatic driftwood texture...