Breaking point

thin hickory rippings

Hickory woods are often regarded as some of the toughest and most resistant to breaking. Consequently,  hickory has long been the material of choice for hammer shafts and pick handles.  The one that I use for wooden swords is a pignut hickory. It is so resistant to breaking, that thin laths can be rolled up into tight curls.

In fact, it is so tough that it's almost impossible to snap or tear the thin rippings that come from the circular saw. When waste wood is this thin, I usually snap it into short lengths by hand.......but I can't do that with the hickory. I have to cut it all up with a saw!!!!!!