Knife scales for folding knife kits - Stabilized Amboyna 3-1/2" x 2"

Stabilized Amboyna burl knife scales for folding knife kits – 3-1/2" × 2"

Give your next folding knife project a distinctive look with stabilized Amboyna burl knife scales. Prized for its rich reddish-brown colour, intricate grain patterns and natural figuring, Amboyna burl is an exotic hardwood that makes beautiful custom knife handles. These stabilized knife scales are designed for folding knife kits, allowing you to add the warmth and character of natural wood to your finished knife. The stabilization process strengthens the wood and improves its workability, making it a practical choice for detailed shaping, sanding and finishing.

What is burl?

Burl is an unusual growth on a tree that produces highly irregular grain rather than the straighter grain found in typical lumber. When cut, it can reveal tight swirls, eyes and complex figuring, which makes burl especially popular for decorative woodworking and turned projects such as pens.

What does stabilized mean?

Stabilization is a process in which wood is impregnated with resin, typically under vacuum, and then cured to harden the resin within the wood. This process helps strengthen softer or more porous areas, making the wood more consistent and easier to work with. Stabilized wood is generally less prone to chipping and tear-out during cutting, shaping and sanding. Stabilization can also improve the wood's resistance to moisture-related movement, making it particularly useful for knife handles that may be exposed to changing temperatures and humidity. Although stabilization improves durability, it does not make wood indestructible or completely waterproof.

What size are the knife scales?

Each scale measures approximately 3-1/2" × 2" (89 × 51 mm). These scales are intended for folding knife kits. Check the dimensions of your knife's handle before cutting or shaping to ensure the scales will fit your project.

Scales will be selected at random; photo is representative only.

How do I finish stabilized Amboyna burl knife scales?

Stabilized Amboyna burl can be shaped, sanded and polished using standard woodworking techniques.

For best results:

1. Cut and shape the scales to fit your folding knife handle.

2. Sand progressively through finer grits, taking care to remove scratches from each previous grit.

3. Continue with Micro Mesh or another fine abrasive system to refine the surface.

4. Apply a suitable finish or polish to bring out the natural colour and intricate grain patterns.

Stabilized wood can often be polished to an attractive sheen without requiring a heavy surface finish.

Two fun facts about Amboyna burl: 

• Amboyna burl comes from Pterocarpus indicus, the narra tree native to parts of Southeast Asia and known as the national tree of the Philippines. The burl is known for its intricate figure and naturally rich colour, which can range from golden brown to deep reddish tones, sometimes with contrasting lighter sapwood.
• Its distinctive appearance has made Amboyna burl a sought-after material for decorative woodworking and other projects where the grain and figure can take centre stage. The name comes from Ambon, an island in Indonesia historically associated with the wood's trade.

Price per set of knife scales in Canadian dollars.