Snakewood or bocote

R

rolexkid

Joined
Jul 14, 2006
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:)I have have chance to get a very nice great grain snakewood mnandi,but I just bought a bocote not to long ago,just wondering which would be the best in the long run... That I mean the wood holding up,and value....:D
 
Most Mnandi hold their value.....especially around these here parts :D
As for holding up, snakewood gets a higher number on the Janka hardness test 3,800 and Bocote gets 2,200. As a reference Lignum gets 4,500.
I don't claim to understand those values, but possibly someone can explain them.
 
Well Snakewood is a premium inlay so they do cost more new and should be worth more later on. I think it comes down to the actual inlay itself regarding holding value. A more distinctive, unique grain pattern will go for more than a bland one, imo.
If you really like the Snakewood pattern in the one available, I say go for it. There have been some really nice ones available recently.
As Lisa stated, Lignum is going to be the hardest. Snakewood is up there as well and is definitely harder than Bocote. I would assume that the Bocote is stabilized and should hold up just fine though.
 
Well,the one bocote I have is really nice, it has three nice knots, i call'em eyes....which also has nice grain too..the snakewood I'm looking at the price is to good to pass up.between a rock and a hard place....
 
Oh yes, I remember your Bocote, it is really nice! That would be a hard choice.
 
I almost bought that snakewood, if it is the one I'm thinking of. Go Snake, in my opinion. It has a nice pattern.
 
I've noticed with Bocote & Cocobolo, the grains can really differ. Some look rather "plain" just like dark wood, while others you can really see distinct patterns in the grain of the wood. Snakewood seems to always be very unique looking and always see a nice grain. I think it looks better more often than not. Cocobolo and Bocote can look superb, if you find the right one.
 
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i know,the bocote i have is very distinct! i haven't seen but a couple with the knots. i guess i would like this snakewood, but don't want to put all my "eggs" in one basket,even though it's a great price....
 
Not sure which would hold up better...I suspect on a knife such as the Mnanadi, it wouldn't really be an issue. As noted above, Snakewood is considered more of a "premium" wood and a bit more rare, so may hold it's value more in the long run. Although, if you have a unique looking Bocote, you'll certainly have nob problem with it's value. Chris Reeve knives in general seem to hold their value very well so just enjoy whichever you have! :thumbup:
 
RE: what the jenka numbers mean, it is the pounds force needed to imbed a 0.444" diameter ball 1/2 its diameter into the wood.
 
I don't have anything with Bocote, but I have a William Henry with Snakewood, and IMO its one of the better looking woods.
 
lisantica said:
As for holding up, snakewood gets a higher number on the Janka hardness test 3,800 and Bocote gets 2,200. As a reference Lignum gets 4,500.
Click to expand...

divechief said:
RE: what the jenka numbers mean, it is the pounds force needed to imbed a 0.444" diameter ball 1/2 its diameter into the wood.
Click to expand...

This is the first I've heard of the jenka hardness test. Thanks.
 
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