Discover everything about rosewood, its varieties, unique characteristics, and why it is highly appreciated by artisans and knife makers on Mercorne.fr.

Le bois de palissandre est depuis longtemps un matériau de choix pour les artisans et couteliers du monde entier. Sa beauté, sa durabilité et ses caractéristiques uniques en font un bois très recherché. Chez Mercorne, nous offrons une variété de palissandres, chacun avec ses propres caractéristiques et utilisations. Dans cet article, nous explorerons en détail ce que signifie le terme "palissandre", les différentes variétés disponibles, les réglementations de protection telles que CITES, et mettrons en lumière notre engagement envers la durabilité et l'étiquetage précis de nos matériaux.

What is Rosewood?

The term "rosewood" refers to a group of woods from the Fabaceae family, primarily from the Dalbergia genus. This wood is renowned for its rich color, density, and workability, making it ideal for creating high-quality items such as musical instruments, furniture, and of course, knife handles.

Rosewood Varieties

Purple Rosewood

Purple rosewood, also known as "violet wood," is particularly appreciated for its spectacular color and unique veins. It is often used for projects where aesthetics are paramount. Its mechanical qualities also make it an excellent choice for knife makers seeking to create unique and durable pieces.

SPP Rosewood

SPP rosewood, or "species-specific palisander," encompasses several species of rosewoods that are not always easily distinguishable from each other. These woods share common characteristics of durability and beauty, while offering some diversity in terms of color and grain.

Regulations and Protection of Rosewoods

CITES Convention

Many varieties of rosewood are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This regulation aims to ensure that trade in these woods does not threaten their survival. Rosewoods listed in CITES require a permit for trade and export.

Pre-Convention Woods (OW)

Woods marked as OW (Old-World) designate those acquired before the species were listed in CITES. These woods do not require a permit but proving their origin is crucial for full compliance with regulations.

Mercorne's Commitment

At Mercorne, we are committed to clearly labeling all our protected wood products with mentions such as CITES, the CITES number, and the Latin name. We do our utmost to respect and promote sustainable practices, ensuring that our customers can buy with confidence.

Purple Rosewood in Detail

Beyond its striking beauty, purple rosewood is an extremely dense and resistant wood. Its natural hue ranges from deep purple to reddish-brown, making it a highly prized material for luxury items and collectible objects. Used for centuries in furniture and musical instrument making, purple rosewood symbolizes wealth and elegance.

History and Use

Historically, purple rosewood has been used in the manufacture of royal furniture and string instruments. Its density and resonance make it ideal for guitars and other musical instruments. In cutlery, it is sought after for its wear resistance and its ability to be polished to a smooth and shiny finish.

Symbolism

Purple rosewood is often associated with creativity and inspiration, partly because of its unique color and natural beauty. It is also considered a wood of protection and healing, often used in spiritual and artisanal practices.

SPP Rosewood in Detail

Le palissandre SPP, bien que moins distinctif en couleur que le palissandre violet, offre une robustesse et une polyvalence remarquables. Utilisé dans une variété d'applications artisanales, il se prête bien à des projets nécessitant une structure solide et une esthétique raffinée.

Histoire et Utilisation

Les différentes espèces regroupées sous le terme SPP ont été utilisées à travers le monde pour des meubles, des instruments de musique, et des objets décoratifs. Leur disponibilité relative et leurs propriétés mécaniques en font des bois populaires dans l'artisanat.

Symbolisme

Le palissandre SPP est souvent associé à la force et à la stabilité. Son utilisation dans des objets de la vie quotidienne renforce son image de fiabilité et de durabilité.

FAQ

What is rosewood?
Rosewood refers to several species of wood belonging to the Fabaceae family, known for their beauty and durability.

Why is rosewood protected?
Rosewood is protected due to overexploitation, which threatens some species. CITES regulates its trade to prevent the extinction of these species.

What does OW mean?
OW means "Old-World" and refers to woods acquired before the species were listed in CITES. These woods do not require a CITES permit but must prove their origin.

How does Mercorne ensure compliance with regulations?
Mercorne clearly labels all its protected wood products with the necessary mentions and is committed to promoting sustainable practices.

What are the uses of purple rosewood?
Purple rosewood is used for musical instruments, luxury furniture, and artisanal objects due to its beauty and durability.

What are the characteristics of SPP rosewood?
SPP rosewood is known for its robustness and versatility, used in various artisanal and decorative applications.

Rosewood is an exceptional material, prized for its aesthetic and mechanical qualities. At Mercorne, we are proud to offer a varied selection of rosewoods, while respecting international regulations for species protection. We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality materials, accurately labeled to ensure traceability and full compliance. Explore our range of rosewoods and discover why this wood remains a favored choice for artisans and knife makers.

Discover the range