DiaDot.com Cocobolo
Index
               Name
                          Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)
               Type
                          Hardwood.
               Other Names
                          Also known as granadillo, Nicaragua rosewood,
                          nambar, palisandro, and caviuana.
               Sources
                          Grows along Pacific seaboard of Mexico and Central
                          America.
               Appearance
                          Fairly straight to interwoven grain with medium to fine
                          texture and low luster. Variable-hued heartwood,
                          maturing to a deep orange-red with darker stripes and
                          mottling. Narrow, whitish sapwood.
               Physical Props
                          Very hard and heavy with high strength, stiffness, shock
                          resistance, decay resistance, and stability in use
                          (heartwood).
               Working Props
                          Works easily enough with moderate blunting effect. Fine
                          dust created during machining can be an irritant to some
                          people. Can be rubbed to a smooth, waxy finish without
                          application of finishing materials. Difficult to glue due to
                          natural oiliness. Turns very well.
               Uses
                          Considered one of the most important woods in cutlery
                          business for knife handles (can be soaked in soapy
                          water with minimal ill effects). Also used for tool
                          handles, brush backs, bowling balls, chess pieces,
                          carving, jewelry boxes, canes, utensils, buttons, musical
                          and scientific instruments, and decorative veneer and
                          inlay.

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