Block of Gabonese ebony - "Marbled" grade

Latin name:Diospyros crassiflora.

Other names:black ebony, ironwood.

Origin:Equatorial Africa. Color: deep black.

Notes:The sapwood is white; it is a dense, hard wood that has the drawback of splitting easily. It is this wood that gave its name to the profession of “ébéniste,” used to refer to makers of fine furniture, even when crafted from other wood species. It takes a magnificent polish.

Gabon ebony is a material of choice for cutlers due to its dark color, hardness, and density. It is a fine wood that offers excellent resistance to wear and moisture. Its fine grain and uniform color make it a high-quality material for crafting handles for premium knives. Artisans and knife makers also appreciate how easily it can be worked, carved, and polished to create elegant and durable designs. It is a material of choice for collectible knives and high-quality hunting knives.