Yew wood for a knife handle? good or bad?

[jon r]

I broke my frosts mora today uppy_dog Im not happy! That was my first propper knife! and i broke it!

Anyway. Its only the handle thats broken and i am thinking of rehandling it. I thought that maybe Yew wood may be nice to use but would you get poison on your hands if your hands were sweaty when using it?

What other woods would be nice to use as a knife handle? I want to get my favorite knife back to its days of glory! please help!

Jon

 

[British Red]

Yes is a lovely handle for a knife wood mate and its been used for a long time - do your worst.

What type of Mora was it? The Green handled 760?

Red

 

[jon r]

yea it's the 760. will post some pics if i go ahead with making the handle. I dont have any machinery. Just a couple of files and sand paper. I dont have any ebony or fancy stuff either. Will i still be able to make a nice handle with just a peice of yew wood and bog standard tools?

 

[British Red]

I find that getting anothe Mora is easier!

Why not PM me your address and I'll send you one mate (no charge)

You can then take your time on the new one - nothing wrong with trying but its not a full tang knife so perhaps not the easiest to start with. Actually I may have an old stick tang blade you can have too if you like? Much easier as a first attempt

Call it a thank you for your great posts

Red

 

[Greg]

I find that getting anothe Mora is easier!

Why not PM me your address and I'll send you one mate (no charge)

You can then take your time on the new one - nothing wrong with trying but its not a full tang knife so perhaps not the easiest to start with. Actually I may have an old stick tang blade you can have too if you like? Much easier as a first attempt

Call it a thank you for your great posts

Red

You are unbelievably generous Red!! Good on you.:You_Rock_

 

[Greg]

If you do decide to carry on and make your own handle why don't you PM Englishrose (She is a member on here) who specializes in knife making gear.

She'll lead you in the right direction and has the gear to help you on your way!

 

[Snufkin]

I'd have to say it's not the best wood for knife handles. I don't imagine it will cause a major health risk as a knife handle, but why would you want to use a toxic wood for a tool that will be used for food prep?.
It is a lovely wood but it's a soft wood.
Remember to use a dust mask when you sand it.
If you want tough native woods, hawthorn and apple are nice as is blackthorn.

 

[ScottC]

Unless you start munching on the handle for a snack, you will be fine. Same with a yew spoon.

 

[Singeblister]

My Knife has a Yew handle , you have to get the right bit but when you do its a beautiful thing

 

[Pignut]

Yew is fine for a knife handle!! but as stated look for the right piece!

Also Red! Nice one :You_Rock_

 

[jon r]

WOW!! Red you are so generous! Wow! I cant beleive it!

Generosity for mygreat posts! I didnt know my posts were that good!

Thankyou very very much!