bois de rose--rosewood

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Jun 16, 2008
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has anyone tried using the " real rosewood" bois de rose. I purchased a piece a long while back. it was a lovely hue of purplish, reddish, and shades of darker reddish. now this piece looks like a piece of crappy plane dark cocobola.--what gives?? i checked the search engine under knife sales and nothing came up--so im guessing its not that great of a handle. Man i wish it retained its original color. Now instead of being special on a mid level knife- its turned o a practice wood. --thanks--marekz
 
Good to know that it's not color stable -- I've seen some fresh cut and it can be spectacular - I'd have gotten some a while back if i hadn't been so poor at the time. It should still be great wood though -- why not put it on some kitchen knives?
 
Can you bring the color back out with oil/sanding? I've used wood before that was just so dry you couldn't see the figure/color very well but once it was finished it was amazing... But to answer your question I've never used bois de rose.
 
It darkes due to oxidation. Sanding off the surface will bring the vivid color back but it will darken again slowly unless it is completely sealed or stabilized.
This is my favorite of the exotics and it is no longer legal to export from it's native country (Madagascar) so one day in the not too distant future it will become all but unobtainable.
 
Hey Marekz,
If you go to an upscale woodworking store or check online you should ask about finishes with a UV blocker. On many woods using that as a top coat will preserve the coloring. Or so I have been told by one of my customers who does marquetry. I haven't used it myself but I think it would be worth a try. Good Luck, Mark
 
well im just going to keep it just because it will be a rarity some day. i will def look into uv sealents. thanks-marekz
 
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