How does castello boxwood compare to true boxwood?

[Dan D'Silva]

Hello again.

I've been looking for boxwood for grips, and a lot of the time, the results I get are castello (or castelo) boxwood. While it's said to be similar in general, I was wondering how close of a substitute it is for the real thing in terms of stability and durability when used as a knife handle, and whether it needs finishing.

I've used it myself once, but only some years ago on a display sword. All I can remember is it seemed harder than most woods I'd used -- which isn't saying much, since up 'till then I'd mostly only used softer hardwoods like walnut and soft maple.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Ben should answer soon.

 

[ea42]

True boxwood is substantially harder than castelo boxwood. Right up there with bloodwood and cocobolo. It also shrinks quite a bit more so be sure to dry it well before using it on handles. Both are visually very similar.

Eric

 

[Greenberg Woods]

Im not super familiar, but given all the mechanical properties the two seem pretty close, I would just make sure the wood is dry, with European or Castello boxwood or any other dense, fine grained wood improper drying is the most likely cause of issue

 

[Dan D'Silva]

Thanks! So, provided they're both thoroughly seasoned, the castello is more likely to dent and scratch in use but about as likely to deform or crack in the long run?

 

[Greenberg Woods]

Yes, based on the hardness and toughness numbers I can find online its a little but softer, but its still quite tough and hard. It shouldn't pick up more than light scuffs or dings from normal use.

Deformation and cracking will most likely be from initial drying, personally id treat both woods similar to how id treat any dense exotic. Dry it carefully before use, avoid getting it too hot, fill any checks you see with CA glue, don't leave it in direct sunlight and it should last decades

 

[C_Claycomb]

Hello again.

I've been looking for boxwood for grips, and a lot of the time, the results I get are castello (or castelo) boxwood. While it's said to be similar in general, I was wondering how close of a substitute it is for the real thing in terms of stability and durability when used as a knife handle, and whether it needs finishing.

I've used it myself once, but only some years ago on a display sword. All I can remember is it seemed harder than most woods I'd used -- which isn't saying much, since up 'till then I'd mostly only used softer hardwoods like walnut and soft maple.

Boxwood | The Wood Database (Hardwood)

www.wood-database.com

50% harder, and denser
Than

Castelo Boxwood | The Wood Database (Hardwood)

www.wood-database.com

I have used only the European original, and that was wood I harvested myself from green. I tried to season in the log and it cracked bad. About as bad as holly, and that despite coating the ends and keeping out of direct heat. So dense that getting an oil finish into it is not easy compared to other non-tropical handle woods, and it isn’t oily in itself like the tropical woods. I haven’t tried it for knife handles subject to wet dry cycles.