Afzelia Burl Wood

Afzelia wood (Afzelia quanzensis) is generally considered one of the exotic species of wood.  Originally from Western / Central Africa, this wood has become very short in supply and is in high demand.  It is sometimes referred to as Doussie or Pod Mahogany, but usually only outside of North America.

Afzelia Burl often has a curly and mottled grain pattern for which it is prized.  Swirling grain, varying colors add character. It can be purchased from a variety of licensed importers, but is relatively expensive compared to other wood - and is becoming hard to obtain.  It is priced at $200 - $300 per board foot (one board foot is measured as 12 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch).

With its heartwood ranging from a deep golden-yellow to its prized reddish-orange color, Afzelia is fiercely sought after.  The sapwood of Afzelia is often a lighter peach color and it is very common to find Afzelia Burl mixed with varying colors of the heartwood and sapwood.  This gives the wood a two-toned appearance which many people crave.   As with many other wood, the colors tend to darken slightly over time.

Afzelia wood is a dense wood which machines well and holds details.  It is a hard, heavy and dense wood (specific gravity around .60) that generally turns and carves well.  This makes it a desirable wood for craftsman, especially those who use veneers and inlays to accent furniture.  Traditional uses were in boat building and making fine musical instruments. When worked, it has a distinctively strong aromatic smell, reminiscent of cedar, but more pungent.  It has the effect of dulling tools quickly.

When making handmade pens, care must be taken to ensure that the wood is stable and does not tear out, since the grain is quite swirly.  This wood is slightly more prone to checking when drying.  The swirling grain often leads to small voids that must be dealt which give it special character.  Afzelia takes a finish nicely, and can be either friction polished or with a separate finish.