Which Ironwood is this?

[Pentlatch]

Had piece of mystery "Ironwood" given to me , roughly 2x2x12". This wood was used at a docking terminal for large passenger ferries. It is quite heavy and very hard - my little belt sander with an 80 grit belt barely touches it. I figure it will make for some nice knife handles.

It is dark reddish brown with whitish lines running lengthwise with the grain and these lines are especially prominent on the flat sawn face. The wood is coarse grained. The saw dust is brown and a bit coarse as well.

Of course there are many types of wood called Ironwood... any ideas what the real name is

 

[rfrink]

I think it is also called Lignum Vitae...or something like that....I think....?

Rob

 

[indian george]

Can you float it in water? If not Rob is correct.Lignum Vitae may have a greenish tint to it.

 

[Mike Hull]

George is right, Lignum Vitae is greenish, and waxy. What you describe sounds like Olneya Tesota, or Arizona Desert Ironwood, but it's really hard to tell. When ground, it stinks like holy Hell. Very toxic also, so be careful, it can cause fungal infections of the lungs.
Here are some sites, maybe you can match your stuff with the photos.
http://www.arizonaironwood.com/

http://yumahardwoods.homestead.com/ironwood.html

http://www.ironwoodbydon.com/

http://www.desertironwood.com/
http://www.desertironwood.com/desertir/BookedSets/index.html

 

[allan lanigan]

I have some of the wood you described It also came from ferry dock use its not lignum vitae, I never found the correct name for it the worker i got it from calls it icky says its imported from africa.Some of the wood i got was in the salt water and after i cut it it cracked making in unuseabe .I have cut some pieces of it from the crating pieces into knife scales but have as yet not used any, It sure is a nice and unique wood.I too would like to know its offical name...

 

[Pentlatch]

Looks like we have found the correct name.

Thanks to Alan's tip i am pretty sure it is called Ekki also spelled Ekke , aka Azobe aka Red Ironwood ( latin name is Lophira alata ) comes from Africa.

>http://www.iswonline.com/wwp/wom/ekki.shtml

Alan we share the same valley

email me < deepmoss@hotmail.com >

 

[Mike Hull]

Pentlatch, thanks for the info, and for the link.

 

[Pentlatch]

Mike and all - Spent a little more time with this Ekki wood. It will sand but you need to go with the grain. The grain being somewhat open means it will need to be filled for a real fine finish - probably not the best choice for a display knife.

Ekki sinks in water

 

[allan lanigan]

Pentlatch, thanks for the link lots of infro there.Will try it on a knifehandle someday..You have mail