red cedar for handle scales?

[Scott Roush]

I mentioned in my other thread that I thought I found some burl wood on my property... Well, it's not. But it is some very nice (and seasoned) red cedar knotwood that has a lot of character.  I'm gonna try stabilizing some of it with Minwax.  But what do you guys think about it?  I haven't seen a lot of red cedar handles....

 

 

[Kevin Evans]

Looks like pretty fresh cut normally we let dry year or two.At least get the moister content below 12%.There are guys on here that are experts if they see the post they will help.There is quite a bit to it.
 
It would be better if you sent it off and had it stabilized,but if you don't after your done removing all(all) scratches.Put a thin layer of super clue on it,sand very lightly.and do this process 5 or 6 times.
This works ok ,but you have to be careful when cleaning(if its a user) .never put acetone on it or anything harsh just soap and water.

[Scott Roush]

actually it is very old.  I should've shown the picture of it before I cut it. It's been sitting on our property for the last 3 years and it looked old then. So it should be pretty well seasoned. But I just wasn't sure how good cedar holds up on knife handles. But I guess if it gets stabilized somehow...

[Steve Nuckels]

Looks very interesting!  I say go for it!

Steve
------
Potomac Forge
------
IN GOD WE TRUST

[Ragnarok Forge]

Cedar is a very soft wood and does not hold up particularly well with out stabilization.  I would cut it into a bunch of slightly larger than you expect to use scale sizes and then send them off for stabiliztion.  You can research on the web to find stabilization companies to use.  Don't bother with the minwax, it wont soak in deep enough to do anything but seal the surface of the wood.

[Scott Roush]

Thanks Clay.... But I should probably sand some and see if it's worth the effort I guess.

[Scott Roush]

Just wondering if anybody has seen, or tried this stabilization method by NorthCoast knives:

 http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_hints_tips3.htm

Sounds like it gets full penetration on scale size pieces....