Blackthorn

[eemer]

I am trying to locate a supplier in the US for some Irish Blackthorn for making pens with. That means that I wouldn't need very large pieces of this shrub, thicket-like plant. I have an opportunity to make pens for a lady to use at book signings and give a pen with the wood of Irish folklore to the host of her signings. She gave me a walkingstick to make the first few with, but I really don't like to ruin someone else's good work for these pens. If you would like to read about the author and preview her book, her web sire is www.mauradshaw.com

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kurt

 

[dkulze]

I'm guessing if you googled for woodturning supplies, and Ireland you'd get some workable suppliers. Overseas postage sucks but can be made up in pen cost. At the least, you can google just woodturner and Ireland and get some names and contact numbers. A quick overseas call and they'll probably mail you some if you mail them some nice maple burl or equivelent. Wood geeks are funny that way.

Dietrich

 

[Frank Fusco]

I am trying to locate a supplier in the US for some Irish Blackthorn for making pens with. That means that I wouldn't need very large pieces of this shrub, thicket-like plant. I have an opportunity to make pens for a lady to use at book signings and give a pen with the wood of Irish folklore to the host of her signings. She gave me a walkingstick to make the first few with, but I really don't like to ruin someone else's good work for these pens. If you would like to read about the author and preview her book, her web sire is www.mauradshaw.com

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kurt

Try doing searches for martial arts equipment. You might narrow your search to 'sticks' or something similar. Irish blackthorn canes are well known for being heavy and tough and very capable of bashing an attacker and still hold together.
There is/was a company selling these for many years, I just can't bring the name of it to mind. You might try Atlanta Cutlery and Cold Steel and follow their links.
Frank