Model 70s are currently advertised with Grade I walnut or Grade III/IV (I think) walnut. What is the difference? Is there any difference in structural strength of the wood, or its ability to hold checkering without the points shearing off? I realize the higher grade is more attractive, but is there anything else?
What is the difference in grades of Walnut?
- Thread starter elktrout
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reynolds357
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Unlicensed Dremel
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Interesting, thanks -- but how do "French" and "Claro" fit into that scheme? Two words Cooper often uses.
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Wood is usually graded by increasing appearance of both grain pattern/structure/appearance and the color contrast between the basic wood's color and the different color of the grain.
"Claro" walnut is a specific species, first grown in Cali (IIRC), and usually has twisting grain that's most times more eye-appealing than Black Walnut, and sometimes problematic to work. (I've had Claro's grain structure crack, strictly from moving to a drier enviroment than where it was shaped)
"French" walnut is a European (usually) species (also variously known as "English" walnut & "Circassian") that's usually denser than Black Walnut, will hold finer checkering, and is usually considered stronger than BW.
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Wood is usually graded by increasing appearance of both grain pattern/structure/appearance and the color contrast between the basic wood's color and the different color of the grain.
"Claro" walnut is a specific species, first grown in Cali (IIRC), and usually has twisting grain that's most times more eye-appealing than Black Walnut, and sometimes problematic to work. (I've had Claro's grain structure crack, strictly from moving to a drier enviroment than where it was shaped)
"French" walnut is a European (usually) species (also variously known as "English" walnut & "Circassian") that's usually denser than Black Walnut, will hold finer checkering, and is usually considered stronger than BW.
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Driftwood Johnson
New member
Howdy
There are several distinct species of walnut trees. Most walnut used in gunstocks in the US is the Eastern Black Walnut which is native to the US. French Walnut is a general term for the walnut trees native to much of Europe. It also goes by the name of Circassian Walnut and Persian Walnut. This is the same species that was introduced to England from Spain or France and is hence also known as English Walnut. Claro Walnut is a species that was originally native to northern California.
There are several distinct species of walnut trees. Most walnut used in gunstocks in the US is the Eastern Black Walnut which is native to the US. French Walnut is a general term for the walnut trees native to much of Europe. It also goes by the name of Circassian Walnut and Persian Walnut. This is the same species that was introduced to England from Spain or France and is hence also known as English Walnut. Claro Walnut is a species that was originally native to northern California.
Burl, Butt and Crotch
Referring to American Black Walnut, you a basically dealing with; Burl, Butt and Crotch patterns/cuts. It's like a side of beef in that some cuts are preferred and more expensive. The Burl rarer, has the tighter grain and the most desirable. Again, depends on the application. ....
Be Safe !!!
Referring to American Black Walnut, you a basically dealing with; Burl, Butt and Crotch patterns/cuts. It's like a side of beef in that some cuts are preferred and more expensive. The Burl rarer, has the tighter grain and the most desirable. Again, depends on the application. ....
Be Safe !!!