I'm restoring my favorite drywall knife, and I'm at the stage where I need to remake the scales that cover the tang. I'm looking for suggestions on the best type of wood that's durable enough for use, but also something I can carve a design into with some good hand tools. Any recommendations?
2 Answers
I get where you're coming from! If you're planning to use it just for light tasks around the house, like opening boxes, then you could consider going with a more aesthetic wood to show off. Just keep in mind that some woods can still swell or crack if they get damp. Make sure to pick one that’s relatively stable, like stabilized wood or a nice hardwood that can take some carving.
As a knife collector, I've tried out a lot of different woods, but for a drywall knife that you’re actually using, I recommend staying away from wood. It tends to stain, splinter, and doesn't handle moisture well at all. Instead, you might want to check out micarta. It’s durable, carvable, and comes in a ton of colors and textures. You can find plenty of options at knife-making supply stores.