Exotic wood source

tryppyr

tryppyr

Joined
Feb 5, 2010
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This week someone pointed me to a craigslist listing from a local guy that sells exotic wood. He has thousands of samples and tons of variety. I'm psyched. Tomorrow I go to check out his wares, and pick up a few dozen of the sample size blocks. Can't wait.

His prices are good, and none of the wood is stabilized.

- Greg
 
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Be careful.

You need to make sure you buy exotic woods that are harvested legally and are legal to purchase, own and sell. Some woods are endangered and protected by law.
 
Does anyone have a list of illegal woods? I found a list of woods from endangered forests, but am unable to find any list of woods that are illegal to own/use.

I'm processing this guy's wood list now and he does have many of the endangered species on his list.
 
I personally have not seen any list of "Illegal" woods. Some are not allowed to be imported IE Brazilian Rosewood. Many wood suppliers have a supply of this wood that was brought into the country prior to the import ban. There is no requirement for tracking from the end user. It is up to the individual as to weather they want to buy and use rare and exotic woods. If there is a list of "Illegal" woods I would love to see it. I do not want to have something confiscated.
 
Another think to keep in mind is that the definition of "exotic" probably varies quite a bit from a cabinetmaker to a knifemaker. Good luck on the hunt! Hopefully you can score some nicely figured stuff
 
Here is an Excel spreadsheet that combines the information from the online catalog of exotic woods with information pulled from the Endangered Wood Guidelines from Rainforest relief. The ones that are highlighed in yellow are listed as endangered on one or more countries lists. You can find the original Endangered Wood Guildeline document at http://www.rainforestrelief.org. The ones that have Common Usage and Description information also came from the guideline document, but are not listed as endangered... merely as coming from endangered forests.

- Greg
 
I'm back from my visit. The guy is definitely for real. His business is run from his garage, and he's a one man operation, but he has the goods. The business is aimed at people that can come buy and touch the wood and make selections by hand, but he is willing to sell over the Internet too. Prices are generally good and he does offer a volume purchase discount. Also, if you buy larger pieces (as opposed to knife blanks) you can generally expect prices to be even lower. For example, I bought a Maple Burl pepper mill blank for $14 that will make at least 4 - 6 handles.

I'll post some pictures of my purchases later. You can look at his website in the meantime: http://theboardhoarder.com

- Greg
 
Here's my favorite (and most expensive pieces) from today's haul... Amboyna Burl. To see a larger image click on the pictures below:



Here's a piece of Monkey Puzzle that has gorgeous colors:



Here are two spalted pieces... one Birch, one I don't know...



I saw this one on his web site and knew if he still had it I was going to buy it. No idea what it is, but it only cost $3 (before discount).



Here are three that will display fabulous patterns when treated.



Three more. I can name most of these pieces if interested... He writes the name an the price on the ends of most pieces.



- Greg
 
Yes, some woods are illegal to own. Poaching has become a problem. Last year, the Gibson guitar company was raided by the feds for buying and using illegally harvested Madagascar rosewood. Lots of materials were seized. Technically, owning one of those guitars would be the same as owning poached ivory or counterfeit goods: they can be summarily confiscated and destroyed.

Poached Brazillian rosewood would be in the same category.

This is an issue that is only going to increase in scope and severity, so it's something we need to stay on top of.
 
I don't know that I want to get between him and any potential customers. I just told him I'd mention his web site here, and he said he was okay with that. If I'm repping for him, I've done all I intend to do. ;)
 
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