Bubinga

Common Names:

Bubinga

Scientific Names:

Guibourtia spp. (G. demeusei, G. pellegriniana, G. tessmannii, etc.)

Why we use for Bokken:

One of our favorite woods. This wood is great for bokken because it iss a bit lighter but very strong. It is a challenge to work with because the grain is so gnarly.

Appearance:

Heartwood ranges from a pinkish red to a darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. Sapwood is a pale straw color and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Grain:

Has a very fine texture and small pores. Grain is often interlocked. Bubinga is very frequently seen with a variety of figure, including: pommele, flamed, waterfall, quilted, mottled, etc.

Durablility:

Ranges from moderately durable to very durable depending upon the the species. Bubinga is also reported to be resistant to termite and marine borer attack.

Scent:

Bubinga is reported to have an unpleasant scent when the lumber is still wet, which disappears after the wood is dry.

Safety:

Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Bubinga has been reported to cause skin irritation and/or skin lesions in some individuals.

Availability:

Should be moderately priced for an import.

Other Comments:

Bubinga has a close resemblance to rosewood, and is often use in place of more expensive woods. Yet Bubinga also features a host of stunning grain figures, such as flamed, pommele, and waterfall, which make this wood truly unique. Bubinga also has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Common uses for Bubinga include: veneer, inlays, fine furniture, cabinetry, turnings, and other specialty items. Since Bubinga trees can grow so large, natural-edge slabs of the wood have also been used in tabletops and other specialized projects.