Not All Wood Is Created Equal

Classic European Woods


Oak

  • Oak wood is hard, strong, resilient, and durable. It's among the most popular materials not only for pen making but also for woodworking in general. Its light color makes it a favorite for both solid wood and veneers. Carvers and sculptors also appreciate oak for its structure, which allows for smooth shaping and finishing. It also responds well to gluing and staining.

Beech

  • Beech is a heavy, hard wood with low flexibility. Despite that, it’s widely used in furniture making thanks to its quality and smooth texture. It has a light color and takes stain and glue well, making it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Cherry

  • Cherry wood, sourced from fruit trees, is known for its beautiful grain and color. It ranges from yellow tones to a red-brown heartwood, which darkens with age. Young trees may have a grayish-green tint, while older ones can develop a rich, blood-red core. It's easy to work with, stains and polishes beautifully, and is often used in fine veneer furniture.

Walnut

  • American walnut is one of our most cherished woods, thanks to its deep, unique grain that varies from piece to piece. It’s a favorite for veneer producers and is often found in luxury interiors, including premium automobiles. Its color depends heavily on where the tree was grown, with rich, dark brown hues being the most common. Oiled walnut feels natural and bold, while a lacquered finish brings out a more refined, exclusive look.

Pear

  • Pear wood is one of the hardest among fruitwoods. It is dense, durable, and features a fine, subtle grain. Its base color ranges from gray-brown with white undertones to reddish hues in older trees. It’s often used in the decoration and construction of musical instruments.

Exotic Woods

Olive

  • Olive wood is stunning, dense, and highly resistant to scratches. It’s renowned for its always-unique grain, with no two pieces alike. A premium material used in furniture, flooring, and even sculptural art, olive trees grow slowly and their wood is highly valued. Its creamy yellow base with irregular brown streaks — from light to dark — makes it our most beloved choice for pen making.

Padouk

  • This tropical hardwood from equatorial Africa is both strong and durable. What makes it truly iconic is its bold coloring — ranging from coral red to deep reddish-brown. Highly valued for musical instruments, Padauk is also a favorite among craftsmen for its workability and toughness.

Wenge

  • Wenge is a richly colored tropical wood native to Central Africa. It’s strikingly elegant, thanks to the alternating dark and light brown vessels that give it a bold grain. Though its porous texture makes machining more challenging, it sands beautifully. Wenge pens have a luxurious chocolate color with distinct black striping — the perfect match for darker accessories.

Zebrano

  • As the name suggests, Zebrano (Zebrawood) resembles the striping of a zebra. This exotic wood is extremely dense and heavy, with a warm color range from orange to dark brown. Its fine grain is interspersed with lighter and darker stripes. Native to equatorial Africa, it is often used in handcrafted knife handles and stylish home décor — and makes for an eye-catching pen.

                                Keim Lumber | Exotic Wood For Sale | Exotic Wood Types Library


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