Red Oak for Chisel Handles?

Yes...

Ted Owen, Pittsburgh

>Japanese Red Oak is different, more tightly grained than American Red Oak--which makes Japanese more suitable for handles.

Best, Ted

Re: Red Oak for Chisel Handles?

Angelo in Cornwall, NY

>Dogwood works well, so does ash (old baseball bats), locust, hickory and persimon. All should be available locally. My preference is ash and dogwood, maybe b/c I have both.

Re: Red Oak for Chisel Handles?

Todd Hughes

>I wouldn't use Red Oak for any handles because I feel it splinters out to easly, don't have any experance with Dogwood but think it would be hard to beat Hickory for a handle esp. if you will be striking them. Could probably use some nice curly maple for looks on the paring chisels and get away with it......Todd

Re: Red Oak for Chisel Handles?

William Duffield on the Cohansey

>About the only oak in eastern North America that I would use for chisel handles is Live Oak, which you might find down around Norfolk, but not in the northern or western parts of VA.

There is lots of variation in the climates of Virginia. It would help if we knew whether you were in the tidewater areas, piedmont or up on the blue ridge.

Dogwood will work fine. A couple other species that occur in VA that will work well: Osage Orange, Black Locust, Persimmon, Shagbark Hickory, Hornbeam, and Sugar Maple.

Re: Red Oak for Chisel Handles?

Larry E. White

>Thanks, everyone. Shagbark it is, since I only need to walk thirty feet more for it than dogwood, and won't need special dispensation from my wife for hacking off a branch or three.