A stabilized knife handle is a wood handle that has a resin applied to it. This resin fills in the holes and pores that a natural wood has and reduces the chance of warping and swelling, which can cause the knife handle to crack or break.
Stabilized wood is ideal for knives that will be handled often or are subject to water and large changes in humidity. It is also a good choice for highly figured and finished woods.
1. Select the right wood
When selecting a knife handle, it is important to consider several factors. For example, the handle needs to be durable enough to withstand wear and tear from repeated use.
It also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, so it can complement the finished blade and provide a comfortable grip. This can be accomplished by selecting a wood that has a good balance between beauty and durability.
There are many different types of woods available for knife handles. Each has unique properties and characteristics that make it a great choice for specific types of knives.
2. Thermosetting resin
Wood is the most popular material for knife handles, but it needs to be stabilized before use. Being a natural material, it is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity and can expand or contract, which can cause problems when tight tolerances are required (like making knife handles).
Stabilized wood protects and hardens the handle, keeping it from deteriorating from moisture and humidity, preventing decay, and dramatically improving wear resistance. It also helps keep the blade from bending.
The process is a simple one, immersing the wood in a penetrating resin. This resin penetrates deep into the wood, forming a linked plastic network throughout its structure.
The resin also strengthens the wood and prevents it from shrinking and contracting with changes in temperature or humidity. It also prevents water from soaking into the wood and causing rot, mold, and mildew.
3. Drying
Stabilization is a chemical process that saturates wood to make it more durable. It also makes it less prone to warping and cracking.
The process involves placing dry wood into a vacuum chamber and then introducing a liquid stabilizing agent (chemicals). Once the resin has penetrated the wood, it undergoes a curing period.
This process makes the wood more resistant to rot and other deterioration, and it also allows knife makers to use many softer woods like spalted maple and redwood burl in a handle.
The most common stabilizers are boiled linseed oil, beeswax, and Tru-oil. Boiled linseed oil can be used on most wood materials except oak, and it produces a water-resistant finish that has a light gloss. Beeswax can be applied to hardwoods, ebony, and rosewood.
4. Coloring
Knife handles are made from wood and can be susceptible to rotting, splintering, and other problems if not properly taken care of. To keep your knife handle in good shape, you should regularly oil it and keep it clean.
A good way to do this is by applying a thin coat of oil using a clean cloth. This will absorb into the wood and help it maintain its original color.
After you’ve stabilized your wood, you can then add some additional coloring if you want to. You can use a wood dye or a coloring agent to do this.
5. Applying a finish
Finishes are a great way to give a finished look to any wood project. There are many varieties available, and it’s important to choose a finish that will provide the right level of protection and appearance for your needs.
Depending on your budget and the level of protection you need, you can choose between oil finishes, waxes, polyurethane or lacquer. Each has different effects on the appearance and durability of a project, so it’s important to experiment before settling on a final choice for your project.
If you are looking for a safe and protective finish, shellac is a good option. It adds a warm amber color to the wood and is resistant to moisture and heat.