Snakewood No. 55, 20 x 23 x 136 mm

Snakewood No. 55

(Brosimum guianense)
20 x 23 x 136 mm

The photos shown are authentic
The wood is intended for further processing, so some edges may not be exactly perpendicular to each other or planes parallel to each other.
The stated dimensions are minimal, they can be slightly larger.

Description

Snakewood (Brosimum guianense), also known as snakewood, is an extremely hard and very rare exotic wood, which is famous for its unique pattern resembling snakeskin. The basic color ranges from orange-brown to reddish-brown, complemented by a dense network of dark spots and irregular "scales".

The wood is extremely dense and heavy and is among the hardest known woods used in handicraft production. It is very demanding to work - it requires sharp tools, slow progress and experience, as it tends to crack and is difficult to dry.

On the other hand, it rewards patient work with an exceptional result - after polishing it acquires a deep, almost glassy shine and its pattern appears plastic and three-dimensional.

Snakewood is used primarily for:

• luxury knife handles
• small handles and details
• jewelry and pendants
• marquetry and decorative elements
• collectible and limited edition products
• turned miniatures

Interestingly, it is one of the most expensive and difficult to work commonly available woods, making it a material suitable for specialized and exclusive projects rather than mass production.

Each piece is a complete original – the pattern can vary dramatically and often resembles a natural marble mosaic.

Characteristics

• Tree type: tropical hardwood tree
• Origin: South America (Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil)
• Wood color: orange-brown to reddish-brown with dark spotting
• Figure: highly distinctive snake-skin / scale-like pattern
• Texture: fine to very fine
• Hardness: extremely hard and very dense
• Workability: very difficult, requires perfectly sharp tools
• Features: prone to cracking during drying, very rare and highly valued
• Uses: luxury knife handles, jewelry, inlays, miniatures, decorative details
• Other names: Snakewood, Letterwood, Amourette

Safety Notice

Some tropical woods may cause allergic reactions or irritation when being worked. Fine wood dust is produced during processing and may be harmful if inhaled.

We therefore recommend using appropriate protective equipment, especially a respirator and eye protection, and ensuring adequate ventilation of the workspace.

Another wooden material

You can find other wood for your projects in the Tropical wood or Other wood category.