Wood for Sgian Dubh

[auld argonian]

I did a lot of pruning on my one cherry tree a couple of years ago and kept several of the large branches with exactly the same idea in mind.

They've been down in the basement for a couple of years ageing and drying...I did see that drying would be the correct procedure to follow before trying to use any of it.

Instrument builders have an even tougher time of it. I remember seeing photos of wood destined for the building of guitars stacked and drying in a temperature and humidity controled warehouse...very impressive and very expen$ive.

Best

AA

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

After drying native cherry (Prunus Serotina) and working with it quite a bit, I think you should not give up too quickly. Having something you make yourself out of wood whose history is important to you is invaluable.

Yes, it make take time. You might cut your 4 ft length in two to make it more manageable, but do seal the ends. I have had very good luck putting it in the attic, where it gets very warm and very dry up under the roof. A good dry summer might get you close.

[auld argonian]

Think of it as deferred gratification.

Best

AA