I am looking for the best place to buy a single piece 1 1/2" square by about 18" of Black Phenolic for a riser. I was told Rosewood sells it but didnt see any prices listed. Also, I linen or paper a better rout to go for a riser as far as strength or finishing avilities? Thanks Steve
not real sure but maybe Bingham in Utah....
I bet someone in here can answer this one??
Rosewood doesnt have full handle blocks but he does sell 2"x5/8" 39" long pieces. The biggest binghams carries is 1/4" thick.
Rosewood may have paper base in the size you want, the down side is it is so hard you have to etch it with a saw blade just to get the glue to stick. I prefer linen.
I use the paper based for risers, but like Jason said it is hard as a rock! I use a new roll of 36 grit in the drumsander to rough it up...never had an issue. It's not real easy to finish sand either, so keep that in mind. After your sealer coat, you will usually see a few sanding marks that were missed...the black shows everything! So plan on sealing it twice.
Also, I DO NOT use it for wedges!! The stuff becomes pretty brittle when cut thin, so I wouldn't trust it in a wedge fade or even as a one piece riser in the fade area.
As far as cutting it, don't use any blades unless you plan on throwing them in the garbage after your done! I use the cheap 10" depot table saw blades and rough cut enough for two risers...after that it's junk.
Dale Stahl.
Try anyone who sells knife building supplies. They are often used for knife scales.
Lamey is right on, I just got off the phone with Dale and he has what you need, he stocks 1.5" thick and can cut it 18" 215-379-1090
Linen is stronger than paper. It will flex some in your riser tho. And it will yeild a softer fade-out if used there. I do not use paper but use a lot of linen. Be sure to soak the epoxy to it. Dale is your man.
Thank you guys for your help!!