ANGELIQUE Wooden Blocks and Handles

Angélique is a natural tropical wood prized for its brown tones and understated appearance. The wood sold under this name is identified as Dicorynia guianensis Amshoff, a tree in the Fabaceae family. It is also known as Basralocus.

The heartwood generally ranges in color from brown to reddish-brown, sometimes with purplish or yellowish-brown hues. It has a medium grain, and the grain direction can be straight to slightly interlocked. As with all natural woods, the color, grain pattern, and shades may vary from one piece to another.

Angélique has an important characteristic for workshop use: its natural silica content causes tools to dull rapidly. For sawing and machining, it is therefore advisable to use perfectly sharpened tools and, whenever possible, carbide-tipped tools. A steady feed rate helps minimize overheating and tearing.

When crafting a knife handle, shaping can be continued with gradual sanding, without restricting oneself to a single grit size: the choice depends on the initial surface condition and the desired finish. Special attention must be paid to wood dust during sanding and machining. After preparation, Angelica wood can be finished using methods commonly applied to natural woods. An oiled, waxed, or polished finish can be chosen depending on the desired look and feel.

To care for a finished handle, avoid prolonged immersion and sudden changes in humidity. Depending on the finish chosen, a new application of oil or wax can be applied when the wood begins to lose its surface luster.

Tips and Sales Pitch

Angélique allows knife makers to offer a less common wood species than the classic knife handle woods, while maintaining a natural aesthetic that pairs easily with many blade styles. Its appeal stems in particular from its South American origin and its brown hues, which can range from warm brown to reddish or slightly purplish tones.

On a finished knife, each piece retains the natural variations inherent in the wood: two handles made from the same wood species may thus exhibit different shades or grain patterns. It is an appealing material for customers seeking a simple, warm, and authentic knife, crafted from a wood with a distinct character that requires no artificial coloring.

Our Commitments

We have specialized in materials for knife handles since 1992.

• Over 30 years of experience with materials
• Materials cut in France
• Fast shipping: 98% of orders shipped the same day (Mon–Fri before noon)
• Two delivery options available: to your home or to a pickup location
• 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back within 15 days
• Free shipping on orders of €90 or more