knife handle/scales from mountain ash

[cotswoldcraig]

hi guys I am looking at making a handle for an older woodlore clone and passing it on to my son I would like to use Mountain ash (Rowan) wood for knife handle/scales but am having trouble finding any that's stablized. Any help would be great

 

[Stew]

Buy some unstabilised and send them away for stabilising ?

 

[cotswoldcraig]

I know it's probably sounds daft but where would I send it?

 

[Stew]

If you go over to British Blades and find the member Packrat (Bruce Ure) he has a stabilising service. I've used his stuff and I'm happy with it.

 

[cotswoldcraig]

Thanks I will look him up

 

[robevs73]

I think Chris from English Handmade knives offers a stabilising service.

 

[HillBill]

Does it need stabilising? Lots of woods are fine without. Stabilising benefits Burls with unstable grain structures, and woods too soft that need the extra strength. Spalted woods are an example of that.

Lots of woods, once seasoned, can be used just fine, providing the wood is sealed from the elements through oiling or waxing or even varnishing/laquering