Mystery wood

[Fishbum2000]

Hey everyone,
Carl aka CREX told me what kind of wood he thought this is. I think he said it is Koa, My dad gave it to me and he says he doesn't think it is. It kinda gets a holographic thing going on when its sanded down and the light hits it just right. Can anyone confirm or deny it is Koa. I want to order some of it, but dont know if I am ordering right.

I think Carl is right but I NEED to be sure before I order any. I guess I can always order a small amount, but anyway

[Ray Rogers]

Certainly could be koa. Could be ironwood too (they're both in the same family I think). Also, there are many variations of koa so if you call up some place and order 'koa' what you get may not look exactly like that. As koa goes, that doesn't have much figure. Anything you get will probably make you happy but it may not look exactly like that so don't hyper ventilate over it. Wood is a natural product (obviously) and I've ordered a lot of it over the years. The only thing you can count on with most types of wood is that the next piece won't look like the last piece. Order some koa - or some ironwood - and you should get something that looks pretty much like that ....

[Fulmaduro]

It could be a lower grade of Koa. Chatoyance is the effect you are talking about. Curly Koa is the most sought after, high chatoyance. And high price! Look at a block of Koa on all 4 sides. If it is curly on all 4 then it is a high grade. Beware of prices. If it is not curly on all 4 sides do not pay much for it. Also, most Koa is not stabilized, unless it is described as such. Basically you will be paying nearly as much as Desert Ironwood once it is stabilized. But man, the chatoyance of curly Koa is something to see. (Not an expert, but was stationed in Hawaii 6 years and my Marine buddy made Koa picture frames on the side and he showed me a little about Koa wood).

Tony Z
Kansas City, MO

[Fishbum2000]

Thanks guys, Mr Ray i definitely understand about the grain and structures of wood, and anything close to this will make me smile. I almost want to buy the project my dad made just to get this chunk. It is a 18" tall by 12" wide arrowhead that is set up to show his collection standing up. he never sanded it this deep until I showed him this handle.

Fulmanduro, THAT'S WHY I WANT TO BE SURE FIRST I priced the Koa...lol