Yucatan Rosewood

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I finally got the chance to work on some new wood that I just picked up. This is Yucatan Rosewood. This block has beautiful lines and figuring. I am still trying to get the Ruger MK2/3 grips to the point where they are sell able. Like the 1911's, it's taking me numerous sets and mistakes to get to this point.

I should have the MK2/3 ready to go in the very near future.

Yucatan Rosewood-Sample

1911 with Wenge

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The wood on this Pro Carry is called Wenge. Wenge comes from the Congo area in Africa. The strange thing about Wenge is it's aroma when you are working with it, especially during sawing...it smells like brownies baking.

Wenge-Sample

1911 with Kingwood

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That in itself isn't that unusual but the wood itself it. First of all an end cut turns out very dark, while a rip cut shows it's magnificent lines. The wood is dense and oily and takes a polish very very well.

With these grips I use one coat of Tung oil. Now with other woods, the Tung oil will absorb in fairly short order and allow me to give another coat to seal it before final polishing. Not so with Kingwood. It takes over 24 hours for the Tung oil to absorb and then it's still tacky. This wood polishes great.

When I finish my pieces I use a combination of three buffer wheels loaded with various types of wax compounds. The wood smooths out and stays 'grippy.'

Kingwood-Sample

Brazilian Kingwood or as it is called in woodworkjing circles, Kingwood is very unique. First of all it gets it's name from the 17th Century when the Kings of Europe preferred that their furniture be made from it.

1911 with Bolivian Rosewood Grips

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This block of Bolivian Rosewood has very nice figuring. It took a few attempts to try to get the photos color as close to the actual wood as possible. I guess that part of the business is still a work in progress.

I love how this grip accentuates against the aluminum and stainless Kimber Pro Carry

Bolivian Rosewood-Sample