Ahrends Grips in Osage Orange

[Kansasgunner]

When nate-dogg put these Ahrends up for sale I knew they were heading to my house because I have a very early Harvey King knife that has Osage Orange scales. Osage Orange also known as Bois-D'arc, Bodark and Hedge or Hedge-Apple is a very common hard wood in the mid-west. It can be used for everything from bows (Bois-D'arc is french for bow wood) to fence posts and it makes right attractive grips for knives and guns. It starts off when fresh with an orange hue and ages to a really pleasing medium brown with exposure to sunlight. The grips are in the early color stages, where the knife being much older has the nice brown color. I'll let the grips sit outside during sunny spring days to try and speed up the color change.
The knife is a veteran of several deer seasons, so my 629-1 has some catching up to do. The knife sheath is also made by Mr. King and the holster is a George Lawrence. I hope you like the pair as much as I do.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jcelect]

This day is not wasted! I learned something new! I did not know Hedge(the name used around here) would color up like that! I have burned a lot in the wood stove. An excellent knife for field dressing and a good choice for putting meat on the ground. The barrel could be a little longer for me!
jcelect

 

[LPD256]

Very nice Tim. I always learn something from you. Thanks for sharing. Jh

 

[wproct]

Just got a chill.

Oh man, chills just went up my spine! I was a farm kid in southern Iowa in the late 50's and early 60's and my Dad fell in love with Hedge fence posts supposedly because of it's lasting long life and durability. But, they were like a twisted rope that you could turn and turn and not find a flat plane to nail fence wire to. I hated hedge with a passion, but it might make good handgun grips.

 

[Green Frog]

My late mentor in the specialized field of Schuetzen (Single Shot Target Rifles) was part master machinist and part artist. One of his "signature" touches was the use of Osage orange for tool handles... I have a breech seater we made together with a little knob of this lovely wood. Good memories!

Froggie

 

[dusty3030]

They are pretty, but I hate to have to cut it. Eats saw chains.

 

[Green Frog]

They are pretty, but I hate to have to cut it. Eats saw chains.

I believe it! Charlie turned his handles etc on a metal lathe using the same cutting tools he used for steel.

Froggie