South American ironwood?

Gossman Knives

Gossman Knives

Edged Toolmaker
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 9, 2004
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Someone at the gunshow gave me some, what they said was South American Ironwood. Does anyone know anything about this type of wood? Is it similar to desert ironwood? Thanks
Scott
 
If it's a rich brown color and smells spicy when you sand it, it may be Ipe'. It may also be Lignum Vitae. Both are called Ironwood sometimes-not as much as they used to be, but some.
 
shgeo said:
If it's a rich brown color and smells spicy when you sand it, it may be Ipe'. It may also be Lignum Vitae. Both are called Ironwood sometimes-not as much as they used to be, but some.
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It is a rich brown color but I haven't worked it yet so I don't know what it smells like. Someone is building a deck onto their house out of this stuff. :eek: That's where these scrap pieces came from. It's very dense wood with a nice grain texture to it.
Scott
 
Ipe' is known for great floor material. The stuff I have had was very fancy grained, but was a nice reddish brown color with great highlights. It makes a good handle, very hard and stable.
 
Thanks Steve. Is it harmful in any way? Of course I'll wear a respirator while sanding and grinding it.
Scott
 
I got some of the South American Ironwood it is dark brown with black stripes. Ipe' is called around here Brazilian Cherry and doesn't look anything like the Ironwood that I have. I wish I could get more , it is gorgeous all polish out. :D I think (scary) that it is from the rosewood family. :confused: :confused:
 
indian george said:
I got some of the South American Ironwood it is dark brown with black stripes. Ipe' is called around here Brazilian Cherry and doesn't look anything like the Ironwood that I have. I wish I could get more , it is gorgeous all polish out. :D I think (scary) that it is from the rosewood family. :confused: :confused:
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IG, the guy I got it from sets up at the gunshows I do. Problem is I don't see him but a couple of times a year. I've got a show in July and if he's there I'll ask him for some more. He said there's alot of scrap from the deck that the people built with it. I'll save some for you. I may not get it till the fall of the year but you'll get some if I get some more. ;)
Scott
 
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