Mahogany for handles

[J. Hoffman]

I bought a bunch of pieces of wood yesterday, including a bunch of mahogany. Has anyone ever used the stuff for handles. I'm planning on sending it out for stabilizing. Any issues I should know about before I stick a bunch of money into stabilizing?

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

I've learned over the years to always check with whomever will be doing the stabilizing for you FIRST....... there are a number of woods that are either poor candidates for, or simply will not accept stabilizing. While I have seen several "below par" outfits claim that they can stabilize Rosewood for example, the "major players" of the stabilizing world will generally refuse to attempt it. I can't recall any specific instances where Mahogany was a problem, but it's always best to ask before you have to end up paying postage both ways on something that the individual/company will not stabilize.

 

[Burl Source]

I had some curly mahogany stabilized by K&G that turned out good.
Here is a photo of the knife Nick Wheeler made with a piece.
My suggestion is only invest stabilizing money in the good stuff. It cost the same to get a plain piece stabilized as it does for a fancy one.

 

[J. Hoffman]

That is some gorgeous stuff Mark. The stuff I have isn't that nice of course, but some of the pieces I have wet do have some chatoyance. I'll ad this stuff to orders over time to get the best stabilizing price.