Why Use Figured Maple for Knives?

Figured maple wood is a wood that inhabits all the qualities that knife handles need. It is an often-used choice that not only boasts durability, but beauty and timeless appeal.

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What is figured maple wood?

Figured maple has various names like “curly”, “fiddle back”, “ripple”, “flamed”, “tiger”, and more. The figuring phenomenon happens only occasionally and in a small selection of trees. The wood is extremely easy to work with, thus being a popular choice among bladesmiths and instrument makers. Its figuring, especially when finished, leaves an unforgettable canvas of stripes for its owner to admire.

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Authentic

Figured maple gives a look so desirable that it seems far fetched to be created by nature. In truth, you would be hard pressed to find its combination of looks, durability, strength, and appeal in manmade materials.

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Easy to Work With

Figured maple allows bladesmiths to easily achieve the look they desire without excess effort. While being strong and sturdy, it is not difficult to work with. Being a lighter colored wood, bladesmiths can achieve a light, medium, or dark look with minimum modification, using a little wood stain.

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Solid Beauty

With figured maple’s strength, easy to work with quality, and unmatched, -but not over the top beauty, it is a solid choice for bladesmiths. Its amazing design featuring its own natural striped appeal is sure to please everyone without looking too busy or distracting from the blade. One of its best features is how little a bladesmith must do to make it ready to sell. With all its attributes the only thing left to ask is why wouldn’t one use figured maple for their knifemaking needs?

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