Our Wood Species

The Art of Exotic Woods

Each pen we craft tells a story that begins long before it reaches your hands. Our carefully selected exotic woods bring centuries of natural history, unique character, and unmatched beauty to every writing instrument.

Sinker Cypress

Origin: Recovered from Southern U.S. rivers and swamps

History: Sinker Cypress refers to ancient old-growth cypress logs that have been submerged underwater for decades or even centuries. These trees fell or were lost during historical logging operations over 100 years ago and have been preserved in oxygen-poor underwater environments that prevent decay.

Characteristics:

  • Rich, varied coloration: Deep golden amber to chocolate brown with dramatic color variations
  • Tight grain patterns: Old-growth density creates superior grain structure
  • Exceptional stability: Centuries of submersion create wood that resists warping
  • Natural durability: Inherently rot-resistant with enhanced properties from underwater aging
  • Rarity: Limited supply dependent on recovering historical logs

Each piece of Sinker Cypress carries a story literally centuries old, making every pen a connection to American forestry history.

Purple Heart

Origin: Central and South America, primarily Brazil and Guyana

History: Also known as Amaranth, Purple Heart has been prized for centuries for its distinctive color. The wood was historically used in fine furniture and inlay work by European craftsmen who valued its unique purple hue.

Characteristics:

  • Distinctive color: Rich purple that deepens with age and light exposure
  • Exceptional hardness: One of the hardest woods available (Janka hardness ~2,520)
  • Fine texture: Smooth, even grain that polishes beautifully
  • Durability: Extremely dense and resistant to wear

Box Elder

Origin: North America, widespread across the United States and Canada

History: Box Elder is a member of the maple family, often overlooked until woodworkers discovered the spectacular figure created when the wood is affected by mineral staining or fungal spalting.

Characteristics:

  • Dramatic figure: Pink, red, and purple streaking creates unique patterns
  • Spalting: Natural fungal patterns add character and visual interest
  • Workability: Softer than hard maple, excellent for detailed turning
  • Uniqueness: No two pieces are ever alike

Red Dyed Box Elder

Origin: North American Box Elder enhanced with stabilization and dye

Process: Natural Box Elder is stabilized with resin and vibrant red dye to create intensified color while maintaining the wood's natural grain and character.

Characteristics:

  • Vivid color: Deep, consistent red throughout
  • Enhanced stability: Stabilization process creates superior durability
  • Unique grain: Retains Box Elder's natural figure with amplified visual impact
  • Modern artistry: Combines traditional woodworking with contemporary techniques

Maple Burl

Origin: North America, from various maple species

History: Burls are rare growth formations caused by stress, injury, or disease in the tree. Prized for centuries by furniture makers and artisans, burl wood has been used in everything from royal furniture to luxury automobile interiors.

Characteristics:

  • Extraordinary figure: Swirling, eye-like patterns unique to burl formations
  • Rarity: Burls represent less than 1% of a tree's wood
  • Complexity: Dense, interlocking grain creates visual depth
  • Premium status: Among the most sought-after woods in fine woodworking

                                                                                                                                              

Red Heart

  • Origin: Sourced primarily from Central and South America
  • Color: Rich, deep reddish-purple that deepens with age and exposure to light
  • Texture: Fine, even grain with excellent natural luster
  • Durability: Highly resistant to decay and insects, perfect for heirloom-quality pens
  • Finish: Develops a smooth, glass-like surface when turned and polished
  • Unique Quality: Vibrant natural color requires no staining, showcasing nature's artistry in every piece

                                                                                                                                                

Lignum Vitae

  • Origin: Native to the Caribbean and northern coast of South America
  • Color: Deep olive-green to nearly black heartwood with pale yellow sapwood
  • Texture: Extremely fine, interlocked grain with a naturally oily, waxy feel
  • Durability: One of the hardest and densest woods in the world, exceptionally resistant to wear and decay
  • Finish: Self-lubricating natural oils create an incredibly smooth, polished surface
  • Unique Quality: Historic wood used in ship propeller shaft bearings due to its legendary strength and natural resin content
  • Special Note: Rare and protected in many regions, making it a prized choice for premium handcrafted pens

                                                                                                                                                 

Zebra Wood

  • Origin: Native to Central Africa, particularly Cameroon and Gabon
  • Color: Light golden-yellow to cream background with dramatic dark brown to black stripes
  • Texture: Medium to coarse grain with a distinctive striped pattern resembling a zebra
  • Durability: Hard and heavy wood with good natural resistance to decay
  • Finish: Takes a beautiful high polish, highlighting the striking contrast between light and dark stripes
  • Unique Quality: Bold, eye-catching grain pattern makes each pen truly one-of-a-kind
  • Special Note: The dramatic striping creates a statement piece that stands out in any collection

                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

Additional Species

We're always exploring new exotic woods to expand our collection. Check back regularly to discover new species and their unique stories.

Every pen we create showcases the natural beauty and historical significance of these remarkable woods. Because we work with natural materials, each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
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