Lignum Vitae?

d.2.the.p

d.2.the.p

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Does anyone own or has anyone owned a Seb with lignum vitae inlays? If so, what are your thoughts? I don't see it mentioned often, so I assume it doesn't get the same love as some of the other inlay materials. Is that why it has been discontinued?
 
It's a great wood ..... especially beautiful in a feathered grain. Problem is that it is harder to come by for knife makers as its trade is restricted under CITES (falling into that endangered category). The wood has a wonderful history that is well-documented online. If you can find a nice inlay in a Sebenza or Mnandi ..... I definitely say go for it! You won't be disappointed.
 
I have a small lignum 21. It's my favorite inlaid small - not necessarily from an appearance perspective (although it is a very nice wood), but more from a historical and material property perspective. Do a little research, it's some pretty amazing stuff!
 
LV is one of my favorite wood inlays because of both the nautical and horological history...it was used to manufacture marine chronometers. The color and grain can vary greatly and can either be light and feathery or take on a wonderful dark green striped appearance. I prefer the Mnandi to the Sebenza simply because the inlay is larger and it does not tend to break up the grain so much. My LV Mnandi is one of my favorite pieces...



 
I've got a lignum Mnandi. It's a beautiful grain, and it's getting harder to find.

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I recently bought my first LV, a large 21. The look is subtle, from across the table it looks like light brown wood but up close, in direct sun, there is a lot going on in the grain. But what I really love about it is the feel. It is VERY smooth and it doesn't get tacky or slick at all.
 
I have a pair of LH Classics with LV inlays, both LH...one is actually close to something like rosewood - it's much more red/brown than LV usually is - LV often has somewhat greenish undertones. LV is a cool wood and one of very few that has a specific gravity so high that it will actually sink in water. :eek: :D It's great stuff and somewhat unusual.
 
Fine... My arm has been twisted. I pulled the trigger on a small LV Seb. Such enablers... ;)
 
Good for you! I had a Mnandi LV and traded it. I now regret that decision. The tree of life wood has a great history.
 
It's very hard, very durable. I think it's the hardest wood Chris has ever used. I have 2 larges and a small Seb, one of the larges has exceptional grain. The others aren't slouches either.
 
It became more desirable once people found out you couldn't get it anymore. Ya didn't hear much one way or another about it until then - it was just another wood choice. It looks nice IMHO, but I wouldn't overpay for it over another wood (personally).
 
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