The desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) is probably the hardest and heaviest timber worldwide. Since its density is much greater than that of water, it does not float but sinks immediately. It is found only in the Sonoran Desert in northern Mexico, southern California, and southwestern Arizona. Desert ironwood trees grow very slowly and can readily reach up to 1500 years of age. They can reach up to 35 feet tall with trunks about 2 feet across. Due to the hot and dry climate, they are experts at water-conservation, but also extremely sensitive to frost.
The wood is much loved by knife makers not just for its extreme hardness, but also because of its beauty. The burl variant is another much sought-after product without parallel.
Dimensions: approx. 200 x 100 x 5 mm
You will get the shown piece!
The piece is dry and can be processed immediately
Finely grained wood may contain imperfections such as open knots, bark inclusions, or cracks that are typical of the species. These flaws come from the way the tree has grown and are completely natural. They can usually be filled with low-viscosity cyanoacrylate (super glue) and wood dust.