High; the combination of use as a tool handle, open-pored texture, and specific reddish-brown patina is classic for aged Hickory/Pecan confidence

Hickory

Carya ovata · Hardwood

Type: Hardwood
Origin: Eastern North America
Hardness: 1,880 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability: Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insects if left outdoors, but very shock resistant

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Straight, slightly wavy in sections; coarse, open grain with visible vessels typical of tool handles

Medium reddish-brown heartwood with visible darker streaks; some lighter tan highlights suggesting weathered sapwood

1,880 lbf (Very Hard)

Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insects if left outdoors, but very shock resistant

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value: $4.50 - $7.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate: 20-40 years based on heavy oxidation, patina of use, and surface compression marks
Sustainability Status: Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable

Tool handles (hammers, axes), sporting goods (bats), flooring, and ladder rungs

Eastern North America

Difficult due to density; tools must be sharp to avoid tearout; glues and finishes well

Boiled linseed oil or wipe-on polyurethane to preserve the grip and natural feel

Indistinct scent; known for exceptional strength and shock resistance; non-toxic

Identified May 2, 2026