cholla cactus

[theunluckyhunter]

does anybody know how to prep cholla for a knife handle? do you just dry it and the pull the thorns off?

[Ray Hammond]

anything that is sort of stringy, like I picture that, or palm wood, or something like that I would say use a wood hardener or stabilizer on it.

I have used a vacuum system - a Tilia food processer, put the wood in it, and then put some of the Minwax wood hardener in the bag with it, then hook it up. It draws the atmosphere out of the bag, and 'draws' the liquid into the wood inside the bag as it removes the air.

When I open the bag I pour the contents of the bag that does not soak into the wood into a container to be reused. I then allow the wood to 'cure'.

It worked well. Others may have an easier method.

[theunluckyhunter]

thanks

im talking about when you cut your own, i should have access to lots of it around here

[Wampus]

I've never used cholla, but kudzu vine works well when stabilized like Ray described.  I cut the big vines where they come out of the ground and let them dry for a few months then cut to length and and soak it in nelsonite to stabilize.  I use a mityvac brake bleeder to draw the vacuum.

[Jon Stewart]

Chris, don't know how to make a knife handle but if you cut the cholla green take a razor knife and slice the thin outside skin into strips and then take pliers and peel the skin off.  OH Ya, wear gloves!!

[theunluckyhunter]

thanks jon! yea i accidentally kicked one at the ranch yesterday and while i was pulling it out of my leg i remembered how cool it looks on a knife