Dagger Handle Skrinkage?

[Aeryn Sun]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1933 SS Dagger, and I have a few questions concerning its preservation. I have heard that various environmental conditions over the years can cause the Ebony wood handle of an SS dagger to shrink varying amounts inward and away from the crossgaurd, causing a visible gap. I have also heard that this shrinkage can cause cracks in the handle.

Exactly what conditions cause handle shrinkage to occur? Is it cold air/temperature? Is it warmer and/or humid air? Or is it sudden temperature changes in general? Are there any conditions that would cause the wood to expand? (I sure hope not.)

Of course, my SS Dagger is nearly 70 years old at this point, and the wood shrinkage is exceptionally minimal. I have always assumed that whatever shrinkage (or environment-related cracking) that will occur has already occured by now. In other words, I have always thought it was safe to consider it stabilized, at this point. Am I correct about this?

Maybe some of this is just common sense, and I just don't have it here. I just thought it would be best to ask some of you who know far more than me about this sort of thing, so that I can be sure, once and for all. I'd like to do my part in preserving my dagger, and keeping it in the same great condition it's currently in, for myself and whoever may own it after me.

Thanks to all who may respond...

[Aeryn Sun]

Sorry about the misspelling of shrinkage in the thread title--"Skrinkage.". I tried to edit and correct that immediately afterwards, but the edit function didn't allow that change to be made. I just didn't want anyone to think I was trying to be funny or just too stupid to know the correct spelling. I did major in English, after all. I was just typing too fast and in a hurry....

[Larry Lipps]

I don't think that any amount of time makes handles immune to temperature and humidity changes. I keep my pieces in a climate controlled environment and have never had any problems. Which is more than I can say for some wooden knobs on some of my furniture that doesn't receive the same treatment.

[Skipper Greenwade]

While a variety of factors can affect wooden grips, unless you're living under a pier or in a cave, your dagger probably has the worst of its life behind it. Seriously, as long as you maintain the humidity and temperature in your hame at comfortable levels, I doubt you'll have any further problems with the grip(s) on your dagger(s).

Like Larry, I keep my daggers in gun safes with electric dehumidifiers. I will occasionally leave a dagger undisturbed in the safe for a year or longer and I don't want any surprises.

Best,
Skip

[Aeryn Sun]

Thanks for the info! I've only had my dagger for about five months now, and I just wanted make sure I'm doing the right thing. The great condition along with the great expense makes it worthwhile to doublecheck my thoughts.