Ebonized Hardwood (Likely Beech, Walnut, or Birch)
Fagus grandifolia / Juglans nigra / Betula spp. (Ebonized) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- North America / Europe
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard, consistent with domestic kitchen utensil hardwoods)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; dense close-grained hardwood, though repeated food contact and washing cause surface wear and finish loss.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with diffuse-porous structure and fine, uniform texture visible beneath the dark stain/ebonization.
Color & Appearance
Dark charcoal-black to deep grayish-brown due to ebonization/staining, with lighter natural wood color showing through worn high-contact areas at the spoon tip and rim.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard, consistent with domestic kitchen utensil hardwoods)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; dense close-grained hardwood, though repeated food contact and washing cause surface wear and finish loss.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 USD per board foot (standard grade domestic carving/utensil hardwood blanks)
- Wood Age Estimate
- 5 to 15 years old (show significant patina, surface wear from washing, and oxidation/loss of original ebonized finish).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); non-CITES listed; widely available and sustainably harvested.
Common Uses
Wooden spoons, kitchen utensils, carved bowls, cutting boards, small turned goods.
Geographic Origin
North America / Europe
Workability
Excellent for hand carving and turning; glues, sands, and shapes smoothly. Finishes evenly, accepting iron-acetate (ebonizing) reactions very well.
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oil, beeswax finish, or walnut oil to hydrate the wood, preserve remaining ebonized tone, and protect against moisture.
Notable Features
Chemically ebonized surface layer (likely created via iron acetate solution reacting with wood tannins) that wears over time to reveal light natural wood grain underneath; food-safe density.
