Stabilized Afzelia Xylay

Afzelia Xylay: Afzelia xylocarpa: An incredibly rare wood to see, Afzelia is sometimes used as a high end mahogany substitute. The wood has an attractive red/ gold coloring, but is best known for the amazing figure it can show. Called Xylay, lay, or gator skin figure, the wood can show a deep rippling type of pommel figure that is renowned for high end knives.

The wood itself is also very durable, being roughly .75 g/cm^3 before stabilizing and about 1.12 g/cm^3 after, making it incredibly durable, water resistant and capable of taking a very fine finish. I recommend oiling the wood well before final finishing, as this will boost the contrast of the figured areas. 

Stabilized by K&G.