Bubinga
How the Wood Scale Works
The scale above displays the measured values for this species of wood compared to Oak – a wood species most people are familiar with.
The red line shows the value for this wood, while the tan line represents the baseline value for Oak.
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.
Durability:
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.
