Mark Barone
Well-Known Member
I found a good source for Teak. How does it rate as a handle material?
I would not. Teak, while dense, is not hard. In fact the 2in x 2in teak board that I used for the handle took a warp in my shop just from leaning. I stood it up in the corner for a while before I got to the project.Thanks good advice. I actually should have mentioned it is for a small camping axe. I don’t know if that makes a difference. I also wonder about grain for an axe handle. knife handles often have little knots or twists that are very nice looking. I’m wondering if an ax handle should just be straight grain for strength.
John Thanks, I am glad I asked. I was hoping to get a free lunch with the teak. It was pretty but not worth it. I think I may use it for shelves in my coastal kitchen.I would not. Teak, while dense, is not hard. In fact the 2in x 2in teak board that I used for the handle took a warp in my shop just from leaning. I stood it up in the corner for a while before I got to the project.
Teak bends very easily which makes it perfect for rub rails and decking on boats. It is commonly edge set for decking. “Edge set” is a boat term, meaning that you lay the board long-ways and flex it sideways so that the edge butts up to the edge of the board next to it. In this manner you get deck planking that follows the lines of the boat as it bows outward at its widest point and then pinches in again. This seems like a trait that runs counter to what would make a good axe or hatchet handle. Teak is about as soft as Ash or Hickory is hard, if that makes sense.
Here’s an example of edge-set decking on a sailboat.
I did not know it had silica in it. That explains a lot.I've worked with teak for over 30 years in the boating world. While it's good for boats, I'd never consider using it for knife handles. Not only is it plain looking with no figure to speak of, as John said, it's a fairly soft wood, but due to the silica in the wood it dulls cutting tools (hand planes, etc) quicker than other woods.