Ok, gotta ask. Why soft wood? I wouldn't think your average hard wood would be all that offensive to the blade edge though I suppose some of the stuff out there could be. I did this last one in Black Walnut that was on the verge on dry rot. Did kind of wonder about problems with some wood oils. I've heard there can be but not sure which ones.
GA
"Greyangel" wrote
Weight, ease of manufacture, moisture wicking properties, forgiveness to softer steel perhaps.
It's used more on shorter blades- probably weight considerations as well.
The Japanese use 'hinoki' wood because of it's neutral chemical and hydrophilic properties- seems to me it's a softwood, but I may be mistaken.
Chas
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