I've got a small problem....need a little help
I've got a model #3 on order at the shop, and it's now time to send in the wood...the only thing is I cannot decide which wood to send them.
I've got two blocks that match the size that is needed.
One Is Snake Wood and the other is Burl Ironwood
I would be greatful for any help.
Thanks
:-)Rocky

Both are nice blocks.I think you see snakewood less often

I like them both but that Ironwood jumps out.

Rocky...they are both nice wood..the only suggestion I could add would be to go with the Ironwood...because I've read
and saw evidence that alot of 'Snakewood', over time developes a few 'cracks..'checks'.

...agree with Rex.
Let's see some photos when it's back "home".
Best, Capt. Chris

ironwood and snakewood

Rocky

IMO both are great pieces of wood. I would choose the ironwood. I like the burls. I have many wood handled RMK knives and unfortunately the end result does not always look like the original. On the other hand it sometimes looks much better.

In the end if you don't like the Ironwood, you could always sell it to Peter, he will buy anything ironwood!!

I wasn't going to reply because everyone knows I am biased toward ironwood, but that is an awful nice ironwood block.
Ironwood is very stable and will take a high polish.

So, I vote for ironwood.

Peter

I vote for the Ironwood too.

Rocky, I like your problems - they are looking good
I'd vote for the ironwood as well but... what are you going to do with the very nice block of snakewood then??

Folks!! Thanks soooo much!!
I did not expect this amount of feedback.
upon review of the Snakewood...I can see how it might crack/check.
It appears to be somewhat "grainie"//has lines running through it...
Think I'll save it for another project.
I think it's going to be the Ironwood....if I don't like it, I'll sell it to Peter....
Thanks for the help!!
Capt...it's going to be more than a year off...I'm sending down some other handle stuff, and wanted ot get this in, and out of my mind...I'll post it up for sure, when it gets here!!
:-)Rocky

Is the material coming to me? If so, I wouldn't send snakewood USPS "Priority" or by any other "air" service. Plain old "Brown/Ground".
Capt. Chris

Rocky--

Both are pretty, as others also said.

My impression is that ironwood properly cured is normally quite stable, but I have heard someplace that even stabilized snakewood is prone to checking/cracking--that coming from one of the well-known wood stabilizers. Of course, ironwood is so dense that it cannot be given the stabilization treatment.

I have been sitting on a piece of high grade ironwood for 5+ years (1) to see if it is yet stable through air drying, since it developed a small crack at one end shortly after I bought it, and (2) trying to decide what knife to put it on.

I've just about decided what to put it on, now to get the project underway.

By the way, your snakewood resembles in appearance a batch of bubinga I had stabilized and have had put on a couple of knives. So--my recommendation is if you want that similar color and pattern, try some stabilized bubinga if you find some that appeals to you.

Larry

Ironwood is great. I've got a few ironwood handled Randalls, and they are beauties to see.

But that chunk of snakewood is very nice too. Question - why would snakewood check more often? Curious.

Alan Grombacher
RKS#5531

Larry,
Bubinga? I know a good knife for bubinga.
Hope you like it, Capt. Chris

My problems with exotic woods were with snake...only !
Very difficult to find one block really, really stabilized .
Capt. That ugly BUBINGA skinner is coming to me....?

Guido,
That picture Cap posted may very well be a picture of the knife
I got from him in Nov2010 or it could be a new one..Either way
you have good taste in knives..

Billy Poyner
RKCC CM021 RKS5030
MM
SO MOTE IT BE

Capt. Chris--

Pretty darn nice!

Similar tastes, or something like that.

Larry

Rocky,

I'm tempted to make a rude comment, but I'll refrain.

Jim

That Bubinga looks good. I have seen some messed up snakewood on some non Randalls. Don't know if I would trust it. While not in the same league as Peter I also have a thing for Ironwood.

just got a "delayed ship notice" from the shop. It should arrive in April....Will post photo's upon arrival....now if I could just remember if I sent the snake wood or the ironwood...I should keep better records.
:-)Rocky

It's in!!
and beautiful!!!

Great figure & color you did good on this one for sure!!

Very nice!!!

OUT-FREAKIN-STANDING!

Tony

Rocky
That receives the ironwood nut seal of approval.
great knife
Peter

This is my first #3....yes FIRST!! and my first order from the shop with a wood handle!!! Yes, FIRST. needless to say, I'm quite happy with the out come...
I do have more coming thank goodness, and with the #5-4" picked up from the shop sale this morning, I'd have to say that good wood, is a good thing!!!
:-)Rocky

SUPER !!!

Rocky,

Great Ironwood! RMK shop did a great job with that one!

Tom Flynn

Rocky, congratulations!
Great knife!

Thanks guys....it's really hard to get it out of my hands right now....I'm also think'n that an additional 1" of blade length(6") might have a little better feel.....another reason to do another knife!!!
:-)Rocky

Great looking Ironwood and the compass in it is perfect.

Wow - a great looking #3!