Sources
Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web.
Submit a site - Become an editor
Wikipedia. Licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Are you an expert in this subject? Join the discussion and share your knowledge at Wikipedia.org.
Cocobolo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cocobolo is a hardwood from Central America yielded by two to four closely related species of the genus Dalbergia. The best known and probably the species contributing most of the wood in the trade is Dalbergia retusa, a fair-sized tree, reported to reach 20-25 m in height. Because of its great beauty and high value, this species has been heavily exploited and the tree is now in danger of extinction outside of national parks, reserves and plantations.
Cocobolo is a very beautiful wood, known to change color after being cut. It usually is orange in hue, with a figuring of darker irregular traces weaving through the wood. It is fine textured and oily in look and feel, and stands up well to repeated handling and exposure to water. A prime use is in gun grips and knife handles. Cocobolo is also extraordinarily dense, and even a large block of the cut wood will produce a clear musical tone if struck.
Only relatively small amounts of this prized wood reach the world market and it is expensive. Cocobolo is highly favored for fine inlay work, brush backs, knife handles, musical instruments (especially guitars), pistol grips, decorative and figured veneers, bowls, jewelry boxes, and other expensive specialty items. Care must be used when working this wood, as its sawdust is dangerous; many people develop an allergy when exposed to it. A sawdust collecting system must be in operation.
