Desert Ironwood pen blanks

[lignaterrae]

Hi All,

I'm hoping you can help me with your opinions.

I'm sure most of you know that Desert Ironwood is perhaps the most iconic timber from the southern desert regions of the USA. Hugely hard and dense, beautifully coloured and figured as I can testify from the single piece I have. It's also hugely expensive, even in the USA. People have asked me many times if I can supply it in pen blanks but it just isn't available in the UK.

For this reason I've been thinking about importing the wood direct from the USA myself but there's one big problem - cost. Working out the maths it would mean that including the high transatlantic postage costs the price of a single blank would need to be in the region of £8.50 - £9.00 !

No point me looking into this in any further if that kind of cost is beyond what folks are willing to pay, so what do you think? Would you take it or leave it if offered ?

Any and all feedback would be appreciated.

Regards
Dave

 

[Woody]

I have turned a few pens with it and your right it is very hard and hard to turn into a pen I got mine before the fire destroyed most of it from an American friend who couldn't turn it to save his life personally Dave I wont be buying any and wouldn't recommend it for newbies

 

[GeordieB]

I think you could probably sell them Dave thats a bit cheaper than buying from ebay and paying postage I would certainally have 1 or 2

 

[paulm]

Not for me at that sort of price... sorry

 

[Kardav]

Is a bit steep Dave, don't think I'd have any, sorry.

 

[Charly Cheeky Chops]

I had some from the same American so called friend of milud Woody.
I have heard so much bollocks about this prized wood that it has been burned away and destroyed the only desert it was sourced from. total bloody rubbish.
if you wish to subscribe to the old women gossiping and dreaming of grand things then go ahead.
To me it is nothing so special, no harder than Burr Oak with less character and I don't got no more words to say.
I hope Neil comes on tells the truth about this exalted wood that is not even wood init?
Not you nor nobody else will get any of my dosh for the stuff we get dished out as desert Ironwood.

\oops charly is still logged in in my name init?
Back in a mo aye?

 

[rayf6604]

It's too expensive for me Dave, and you have so many beautiful pen blanks anyway I can't see a need for buying a particularly expensive one. I'd be interested in seeing a pic of a pen made with it all the same

 

[billyb_imp]

Seems a bit pricey dave, plus I have enough problems with the timbers that are readily available

 

[Grump]

To put it in my name, poor Charly don't even know init?




I had some from the same American so called friend of milud Woody.
I have heard so much bollocks about this prized wood that it has been burned away and destroyed the only desert it was sourced from. total bloody rubbish.
if you wish to subscribe to the old women gossiping and dreaming of grand things then go ahead.
To me it is nothing so special, no harder than Burr Oak with less character and I don't got no more words to say.
I hope Neil comes on tells the truth about this exalted wood that is not even wood init?
Not you nor nobody else will get any of my dosh for the stuff we get dished out as desert Ironwood.

 

[Woody]

Here are a few photos of the wood made up some 5 years ago and still has a good finish on it

 

[lignaterrae]

Thanks for your feedback guys. The very subject seems to get one or two worked up!
Pretty much confirms my view that the price is just a bridge way too far and as on this straw poll the 'nays' have it, I'll drop the idea!

 

[Jim]

It is expensive wood, but i wouldn't mind having a nice pen set made with it ..

 

[Bill Mooney]

I have a piece to make into a pen so won't commit till I've tried it.

 

[Penpal]

Coincidence yesterday I was rummaging in my stash I have a number of blanks of US Desert Ironwood it used to be priced around much less than the Rosewoods from South America. IMHO it is extraordinary when it has sapwood in it. At the same time as I bought it Amboyna was more expensive and I paid 24 of our dollars each when our dollar was near 50% of the US dollar.

The thing to bear in mind is the sellers of timber invariably have hived of the best stuff at a premium and us buying from doctored up pics is still a lottery.There is no mystery why Desert Ironwood is costly it is very old timber protected by law and availability I have travelled in this growing area it is bleak and tough. Lot of romance about timber when the truth mostly appears when its turned.

Through the IAP over many years established really reliable sellers of most timbers in the US on one occassion I bought 160 sticks for around 50c to keep the cost down I had the guy number them all and send me a key listed name for each one by E Mail some drop dead stuff in that parcel.

I have a great respect for you Dave in your dealings I read great integrity members in the UK are fortunate indeed to have you as member and supplier so many pens bear witness to this.An old saying in my family what do you expect for four pence Crayfish comes to mind. In these days of cheap kits still cheap timber so much is expected in the sale of a pen so little wanted to pay for the main ingredient IMHO timber with so many one piece pens sold that only require a short piece sometimes three pens can come from one blank.

Kind regards Peter.

 

[chas_41_uk]

From the picture Woody has posted, it looks a nice wood, but the price is too high for me

 

[wm460]

Great looking pen Woody.