Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens)
Moderately Expensive
2,900
Janka
Tropical South America
Readily Available
The blood-red color is bright and vivid but will darken to a brownish red colour over time with exposure to light. The grain is typically straight or slightly interlocked. The texture is fine and is often somewhat chatoyant.
Bloodwood is quite hard and has an extreme blunting effect on tool edges. It’s very brittle and can splinter while working so patience is required and well worth it.
Commonly used for inlays, carvings, trim work, knife handles, and turnings.
The colour shift can be slowed by using a UV protective finish and kept out of direct sunlight. The colour is striking and can be worth the fussiness of working with it.
