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African Blackwood Wood

African Blackwood is an exceptionally dense, fine-grained hardwood prized for its deep, dark color and superior durability. Renowned for its stability and smooth finish, it’s commonly used for high-end woodworking, musical instruments, and detailed turning projects where precision and a polished look are essential.

African Blackwood Wood

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  • African Blackwood Turning Square

    African Blackwood Turning Square

    $19.95 - $19.95
    $19.95
    $19.95
    $19.95 - $19.95
    $19.95

    African Blackwood Turning Square We will provide you with a high quality African Blackwood turning square in the dimensions of your choice. This bl...

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    $19.95 - $19.95
    $19.95
    $19.95
    $19.95 - $19.95
    $19.95

African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)

Pricing:


Expensive

Hardness:

3,670

Janka

Distribution:


Africa

Availability:


Difficult to source

Appearance

When they called it Blackwood, they weren’t kidding. This timber is often completely black with next to no discernible grain. The sapwood is a pale-yellow colour and is usually very thin.

Workability

This wood is not for the faint of heart. It is difficult to work with both hand tools or machines and has an extreme blunting effect on edge tools.

Uses

It is a great wood for turning because it takes fine detail well and can even hold threads. Often used to make clarinet and oboe bodies, it is typically worked on with metal working equipment because of its hardness.

Additional Comments

African Blackwood is an extremely expensive wood that is getting more and more difficult to find. This is chiefly because it is part of the genus-wide restriction on CITES appendix II.

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Frequently Asked Questions About African Blackwood Wood

What is African Blackwood used for?

African Blackwood is primarily used for making woodwind instruments such as clarinets, oboes, and bagpipes, as well as high-end knife handles, chess pieces, and luxury pens. Its extreme density and fine grain make it ideal for precision woodworking projects.

How hard is African Blackwood?

African Blackwood has a Janka hardness rating of approximately 3,670 lbf (16,320 N), making it one of the hardest and densest commercially available woods in the world significantly harder than most domestic hardwoods like oak or maple.

Is African Blackwood rare?

Yes, African Blackwood is considered rare and endangered. It is listed on the CITES Appendix II, meaning its trade is regulated internationally. Sourcing from reputable, sustainably managed suppliers is strongly recommended.

What color is African Blackwood?

African Blackwood typically ranges from dark purplish-brown to nearly jet black, with very fine, barely visible grain lines. Its color deepens with age and finishing, producing a rich, lustrous appearance prized in luxury woodworking.

Where does African Blackwood come from?

African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) is native to the dry savanna regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Sudan.

Can African Blackwood be used for guitar fretboards?

Yes, African Blackwood is an excellent choice for guitar fretboards. Its extreme hardness, density, and smooth surface rival and often exceed traditional ebony, offering exceptional playability, durability, and a striking aesthetic.

Is African Blackwood easy to work with?

African Blackwood is difficult to work due to its extreme hardness and density. It dulls cutting tools quickly, requires sharp carbide-tipped blades, and benefits from pre-drilling before fastening. However, it polishes to an exceptionally smooth, glassy finish.

How does African Blackwood compare to ebony?

African Blackwood is often compared to ebony for its dark color and density. It is similarly hard but has a slightly higher oil content, which can affect gluing. Both are used in similar high-end applications, though African Blackwood is often more consistent in color.

What finish works best on African Blackwood?

African Blackwood responds best to oil-based finishes or wax polish, which enhance its natural deep luster. Its high natural oil content can interfere with some adhesives and film-forming finishes, so surface preparation is critical.

Is African Blackwood sustainable to buy?

Purchasing African Blackwood from certified, responsibly managed sources is important. Look for suppliers that provide CITES documentation and support sustainable harvest programs in East Africa, helping to protect this ecologically sensitive species.

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