The kind of wood best for knife handles depends on several factors, including the type of knife you are using, how often you plan to use it, and the environment in which you will be storing it.
Oak may be a better option if you use a chef’s knife or other sharp kitchen utensils to cut hard materials like meat. However, if your knives will primarily be used for cooking vegetables and fruit, pine or bamboo would likely be a better choice.
Best Wood for Knife Handles
Thousands of people also loved it, just like any other art. The ones who put their 100% creativity into their work always choose various designs and structures.
Some may think the blade is the most essential part of a knife. We think differently about this statement. A folding knife is harmful and unpleasant when the handle is crusty or rough on the hands.
That’s why an experienced knife maker always looks for quality wood for bone handles. In this article, we are going to help you with this topic. We have researched and prepared the Top 5 Best woods for knife handles.
This should help beginners learn about buying wood for knives. This brief journey will also help you choose the right wood for your upcoming knives, so spend your free moment with us—it’s free!
Here Is The List of the Top 5 Best Wood for Knife Handles
In this section, we will briefly review the items. Later, we will discuss them in more detail.
- Widest variation to choose from – Untreated Wood – (JLM) Payne Bros
- A beautiful dark color for dark knife handles – Black Walnut Wood Knife Scales
- Best knife scales for hunting knives – Bookmatched Handle Blank Exotic Knife Scales Wood
- Best Pocket Knives – Buddha4all Resin Knife Scales Streaked Pair Handles
- Best modern-looking and straightforward knife scales – Maragos Wood Bookmatched Exotic Wood Knife Scales
Now, let’s look at the items briefly. We will explain the quality of the scales, including the information about what you will be receiving.
1. Untreated Wood – (JLM) Payne Bros, 5 Pack
Wood type: Untreated raw hardwood.
The package includes 5 variations of wood.
As we have practiced knife set making, we always look for quality and variations. The Untreated Wood – (JLM) Payne Bros, 5 Pack offers what we seek.
This package includes 5 types of 1 ½ x 5 ½ x 5/16 to 3/8+ inches of wood cut to perfection. This seller also offers us the option to choose 5 types of natural wood among 15 different textures and colors. Untreated wood makes the best wood handle for the best chef knife scale.
As stated, the wood is untreated and needs to be treated before making knife tool handles. The quality of the woods is perfect for every boning knife maker.
The perfectly cut pieces are significant for helping beginners. Newcomers know little about wood choices, and with this particular seller, anyone of any age can achieve success in DIY knife projects.
2. Black Walnut Wood Knife Scales, 20 Pack
Wood type: Black walnut wood
Package includes: 20 pieces of walnut wood scales
This one is for those who prefer dark hardwood for their knife handles. The Black Walnut Wood Knife Scales, 20 Pack, offers customers a variety of dark walnut wood pieces.
These individual pieces measure 5″ x 1-1/2″ x 3/8″ inches. Anyone who wants dark walnut handles for personal or professional knife-making projects can buy this package without hesitation.
The best part of this package is. It comes with distinct patterns that make each steak knife unique. These pieces are also air-dried but contain 9% moisture. These pieces are also suitable for making handles for tools. If you need to repair your knife or make knife handles.
This is also a perfect option. If you find the product defective, you can always get another package completely free with their money-back guarantee. However, this service only lasts 60 days from the purchase.
3. Bookmatched Handle Blank Exotic Knife Scales Wood
Wood type: Crosscut Zebrawood
The package includes a pair of cross-cut zebrawood scales
For hunting knives, we look for good-quality wood that will last long. Besides the blade, we also need a comfortable handle for wildlife. In a hunting knife, we need a rigid handle; to get that, we need a good pair of wood scales.
The Bookmatched Handle Blank Exotic Knife Scales Wood is a good choice for a hunting knife handle because it is low moisture, low humidity, and has a tough texture.
The pattern on this wood makes the kitchen knife handles look profound for hunting. Because of the wood’s high humidity, it will retain its look and quality even after being drenched in water.
4. Buddha4all Resin Knife Scales Streaked Pair Handles
Type: Resin
Package includes a pair of resin scales. (13 combos to choose from)
Buddha4all Resin Knife Scales Streaked Pair Handles offer us one of the best paring knife-making scales. The manufacturer designed these scales to look stylish and fancy. There are 13 different combos you can choose from.
Each resin scale is durable and can be shaped in every way. We can use these scales for hunting knives, building optical frames, tiles for inlaid appliances, and many more. Their toughness is like that of wood scales, so it will be easy for you to work with them.
Another thing we like about resin scales is that in wildlife, the chances of these resin-handled survival knives are pretty high. They don’t get spoiled in water and remain intact while handling animals.
However, the only downside of resin is that throwing it near the fire will melt and cause black smoke. Well, even wood will burn in a fire. We should always carry the knives in a side pocket for maximum safety.
5. Maragos Wood Bookmatched Exotic Wood Knife Scales
Type: Wood
The package includes one pair of wooden knife scales.
Last but not least, we have another pair of exotic wood scales that will impress many of you who are looking for simple designs.
The Maragos Wood Book matched Exotic Wood Knife offers a pair of solid wood scales that will surely make durable knife handles. These scales can be used for hunting knives, butter knives, keyrings, and more.
The bright color of these scales gives a knife a silky look with some modern vibes. So, if you are looking for an exotic, simple knife scale, this is for you.
How To Choose The Best Wood for Knife Handles for You
The knife handle plays a huge role in knife making. The blade determines how sharp and effective the knife will be, while the handle decides how comfortable the knife will be in the hands.
As a wise person said, “A knife is only a tool. The one who handles it has the full power of it.” W = No matter how sharp a blade is, we need a good quality handle.
In this section, we will discuss the things you need to know before buying knife handle scales and materials, and the Best finish for knife handles.
If you are new to knife-making, this will help a lot. So, keep reading.
Make a decision. Do you want a wooden knife handle? Or do you prefer something else, like resin? This decision is crucial because it will be the finishing touch to your knife. After you’ve chosen the type of scale you want, it’s time to decide on colors and patterns, if you want them on your scales.
Diameter is another crucial part of knife handle making. Without measuring, you can buy small scales that will not adequately cover your knife. You can’t purchase massive scales, which will be hard to work with. You need to buy a scale that is a little bigger than the actual measurement. So be sure of the measurements.
- It is always best to talk to someone with knife-making experience. A friend, a relative, or anyone you have around will be a great help. They can tell you what type of scale is best for your start.
- Buying woodworking materials from an online shop is not a terrible choice. But you have to be careful about authenticity. Many websites promise to provide high-quality items for a good amount of money. They bait people and scam their money. It is always best to buy products from Amazon. Our links are 100% safe and efficient.
FAQs
Why is untreated wood better for knife handles?
As we have been making knives for a long time, we know the value of good quality untreated wood. Untreated wood scales are easy to work with and don’t become hard.
The wooden texture helps you carve the wood effortlessly. So, untreated wood is best. However, treated wood is also not bad. Treated wood requires care while carving.
Are resin scales safe for knife handles?
Resin scales come in many shapes and sizes. Resin scales are more stylish and customizable. As we know, resin is plastic. Resin knife handle scales are pretty unique.
You can try using one if you can find a seller with experience making resin scales. You know that treating resin scales differs greatly from treating wooden scales. Other than that, resin scales are safe for making knife handles.
How many coats of finisher should I use for knife handles?
Before deciding the number of coats, you need a good quality finisher. A finisher seals the handle design and creates a barrier protecting your knife. Also, if you are making a knife for business, the finisher will seal the branding on your knife smoothly.
What should I know before making knives?
You should always know the basics of making a knife. A knife requires a handle and a long-lasting blade. Now, the knife handle material of the blade varies depending on your budget and metal choice. The more you pay, the better and sharper the knife blade you get.
After deciding on what type of blade you want, it’s time for the handle. As we have often said, handles are a crucial part of a knife.
You can get the utility knife scales from our suggestion, but you need an excellent machine to carve the scales. You will also need a finisher to coat the handle for a better grip and shine.
Is the knife-making safe?
Making knives comes with many risks. You’ll be working with blades. And the blade-making process requires extreme heat and big machines.
You’ll be cutting and carving, which surely comes with many risks. But in this era, there are many gadgets that allow you to work with knives more safely.
Gloves are a must while working with knives. Making knife handles and attaching them also requires focus and care. So, yes, knife block-making is risky. But if you are careful, the risks are not high.
Which wood is best for a dark knife handle?
If you are looking for dark-colored knife handles, you should definitely go for walnut wood scales. They have a rich, dark chocolate color that goes really well with bright knife blades.
If you want a darker reddish-brown color, mahogany wood should be the number one choice. It is naturally durable and lasts longer than you think.
What is the best wood for a hunting knife handle?
For budget hunter knife handles, you can use beech and oak wood. You can use white oak wood and walnut wood for a fancier look. Both are durable and sturdy.
Final Words
In this article, we have discussed knife making and the best wood for knife handles, a topic we don’t read about often. We have researched and listed these knife scales for our dear visitors.
Before publishing the items, we tested them. We always put you first in our priorities. Thank you for supporting us.