handles

[Hattrick]

Ok, i going to get sum blade blanks an put handles on them  for dad an my brother for Xmis.. The ? is i would like to use a wood from are farm either  old barn boards or beams, mybe even from some trees on the place for the scales,do i need to have this stuff stabilized? or  is dried good enough. What is stabilized any way i`m new to this stuff?? 440c is this a good steal for a knife blank?

[Hattrick]

sorry didn`t mean to post twice it was a computer glitch

[LONGBOWKID]

440c, is a stainless steel, not particularly great for holding an edge, but it will suffice, as its about all you can find, unless you know where you are looking.

The wood you have is probably oak, it will make a durable handle, but isnt very visually attractive, in my opinion. Dried well will be ok to use for scales.

Stabilization is usually used on woods that are soft, or in some cases rotten, with a fungus growing on/in the wood that makes it visually appealing. Epoxy or glue of some shape form or fashion is drawn into the wood with a vaccuum, making it much more stable, hence the name, and allows you to use woods that wouldnt normally have the structural integrity for scales.

Good luck!

[OconeeDan]

440c may not be considered a premium knife steel but it has been the standard steel that gazillions of knives have been made with.  My personal experience with it, it works fine and makes a decent blade.
Using wood from your farm would be fine.  Would give the knives a personal touch.  try to find wood that is solid and you don't need to do anything special.  Use boiled linseed oil, tung oil, or gunstock finish, or polyurethane for a finish.
Dan

[Hattrick]

Thanks guys that's helpful