Tigerwood Knife Scales
Bold dark stripes on golden-red background; naturally oily, dense, and durable.
About Tigerwood
Bold dark stripes on golden-red background; naturally oily, dense, and durable.
Tigerwood handles feel solid and confident. Hard enough to take a high polish and resist daily wear, yet workable enough that hand tools are still viable. It drills and shapes cleanly, and a finished handle requires minimal maintenance over years of use.
Stabilization & Treatment
Tigerwood is naturally rich in oils — the same oils that give it its distinctive luster and inherent durability also prevent stabilization resin from penetrating. This is a feature, not a limitation. Those natural oils protect the wood from moisture and give it built-in durability without any treatment. We stock Tigerwood raw only, which is the correct and traditional form for this species.
Available at ExoticScales
Tigerwood scales are available in 5" × 2" × ¼" and 5" × 1.5" × ¼", fitting the vast majority of full-tang knife blanks. We carry matched pairs and — where the grain allows — bookmatched pairs. Highly figured and one-of-a-kind pieces sell quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Tigerwood good for knife handles?
- Yes — Tigerwood is a well-regarded knife handle material. Its high Janka hardness (1,850 lbf) means excellent scratch and wear resistance, making it ideal for everyday carry.
- Does Tigerwood need to be stabilized?
- No — Tigerwood is naturally oily and non-porous, so stabilization resin won't penetrate. The natural oils provide built-in moisture resistance. It's sold and used raw, which is correct for this species.
- What is the Janka hardness of Tigerwood?
- Tigerwood measures approximately 1,850 lbf on the Janka hardness scale, rated "Very Hard." This is well above the threshold for durable everyday-carry handles.
- Where does Tigerwood come from?
- Tigerwood originates from South America / Africa.