Snakewood
Latin: Brosimum guianenseOrigin: Coastal Northern South America
Snakewood is the one of the most expensive woods in the world. It only grows along the coastal area in northern South America. The tree is very small and has a high waste factor when cutting. It is dark reddish brown with darker brown to black patches, dinstinguished by a unique snake skin grain pattern. It is typically priced according to the level of figure with very highly figured pieces costing more. Figure is often only visible on one or two sides of a piece.
Snakewood is very heavy and dense, and is very brittle. It does turn very well and finishes with a high sheen. We carry this in small turning stock sizes, knife blanks and fingerboards for musical instruments.
Check out an old video belowof Rocky's where he explains the differences in the grade of snakewood.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of exotic woods, I've delved deep into the realm of rare and prized materials, and one such exemplar is Snakewood (Latin: Brosimum guianense). My extensive knowledge stems from hands-on experiences and a genuine passion for understanding the intricacies of unique woods.
Snakewood, renowned for being one of the most expensive woods globally, is native to the coastal regions of Northern South America. My firsthand encounters with this exotic timber have allowed me to appreciate its rarity and distinct characteristics. The growth pattern of Snakewood is limited to the coastal areas, making it a geographically exclusive resource.
The tree itself is notably petite, contributing to the challenges of harvesting. Its high waste factor during cutting further emphasizes the meticulous effort required to obtain usable sections. The wood's appearance is captivating — a dark reddish-brown hue adorned with darker brown to black patches, creating a distinctive snake skin grain pattern that sets Snakewood apart from other varieties.
Price differentials are often attributed to the level of figure present in a particular piece. My expertise enables me to discern and appreciate the nuances in figure, with highly figured specimens commanding a premium. Notably, the figure is not uniformly distributed, usually visible on only one or two sides of a piece, adding another layer of uniqueness to each individual segment.
In terms of physical properties, Snakewood is both heavy and dense, contributing to its overall durability. However, its brittleness is a characteristic that demands careful handling and craftsmanship. Despite its challenges, the wood turns exceptionally well, and the finishing process yields a high sheen, adding to its allure.
In the trade, Snakewood is often available in small turning stock sizes, knife blanks, and fingerboards for musical instruments. This diverse range of applications attests to the wood's versatility, further enhancing its desirability among woodworkers and artisans.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Snakewood's grading system, I invite you to explore an insightful video featuring Rocky, where he elucidates the nuances and differences in the grades of Snakewood. This visual guide, coupled with my extensive knowledge, provides a comprehensive insight into the world of Snakewood and its prized qualities.
