
Wood Type: Tigerwood
Dimensions: 5x2x0.25
Finish: Drum sanded to 220 grit
These are natural Tigerwood knife scales, ready for your next custom build. Tigerwood, also known as Goncalo Alves, is a dense, hard South American hardwood prized for its dramatic striping and rich warm tones ranging from golden brown to deep reddish-orange. The bold grain patterns give each set a truly eye-catching, one-of-a-kind appearance that will make any finished knife stand out.
These scales are natural and unstabilized, meaning they retain all of the wood's original character and beauty. Natural scales require a bit more care during finishing and are best suited for low-moisture environments, but Tigerwood's naturally high density and tight grain make it more resistant to warping and movement than many other unstabilized species. With proper sealing and finishing, these scales will perform beautifully on a custom knife handle.
Each set measures 5 inches long by 2 inches wide by 0.25 inches thick, giving you plenty of material to work with for most standard knife handle profiles. The scales have been drum sanded to 220 grit, providing a smooth, consistent surface that is ready for shaping, drilling, and final finishing right out of the package.
Please note that these scales are not bookmatched. Bookmatching is a process where consecutive slices from the same piece of wood are paired so the grain mirrors itself across both handle halves, creating a symmetrical appearance on the finished knife. These scales are individually selected and will have their own distinct grain patterns rather than a mirrored look, though the natural beauty of Tigerwood ensures each scale is visually striking on its own.
The knife shown in the product photos is included for size reference only and is not part of this listing.
Tigerwood — bold dark stripes on a golden-red background with a natural lustre that doesn't need much finishing. Dense enough to skip stabilization and holds up well under use. The stripe pattern is unmistakable and reads well at distance.
Sized to fit most full-tang knife blanks — glue, pin, and shape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of Premium Tigerwood Knife Scales (5x2x0.25)?
These scales measure 5x2x0.25. Standard scale pairs fit the vast majority of full-tang knife blanks.
How are knife scales attached to a blade?
Drill matching pin holes through the tang and scales, apply two-part epoxy, and pin with stainless or brass rod. Clamp until fully cured (24 hours for most epoxies), then shape, sand, and finish.
What finish works best on exotic wood knife scales?
CA glue (cyanoacrylate) builds a hard, glass-smooth surface that enhances figure. Tru-Oil gives a softer, hand-rubbed result with good depth. Stabilized scales are less porous than raw wood — thinner coats work better than flooding the surface.
Do you offer free shipping?
Free shipping on all US orders of 2 or more pairs. Orders ship within 1 business day from Washington state via USPS.



