I read something where the author felt kiln dried wood resulted in more brittle wood. Have any of you had experience with this? Thanks for your thoughts.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
I'm not sure about it making wood brittle in any way, but I know the wood they build houses and other buildings out of is kiln dried. Infact I live not far from a mill that makes everything from 2x4s to 2x12s, and they kiln dry their wood. I work part time cutting baton for a guy who cuts it for them. I don't think wood makers would use a process that makes weak wood if the were selling it to people who used it to build houses. It does make the wood lighter, because it removes moisture from the wood. Hope that helps? <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Thanks, Jason. I wasn't too sure about the brittle claims, but figured I'd check with others who may have had more exposure to using it in knife handles just to see. The argument doesn't seem to hold as much water when you think of it in terms of building houses <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
From my woodworking experience, there is really no advantage to either if you allow them to rest for a few weeks in the shop. Kiln dried wood often is dried but gains water from the air. Air dried is about 10% MC or so at best but will lose water in a warm shop. The biggest problem I've seen with air dried is bugs and incorrect stacking for drying which can cause cracking and allow fungus to grow. These can be artsy in wood-turning. Maybe in handles too but I'm a duffer at knives.
I think it's mostly marketing. I've never seen an real evidence one is better than other when both are done right.
