Thread: Lignum Vitae for scales

Anyone here have experience using Lignum Vitae for razor scales? I have a Wapi on which I'd like to try this wood--if it would work. I'm curious with any experiences you restorers may have had - both the good and the bad.

thanks, Bruce

OH sure!

When using Lingnum Vitae, you always have to keep in mind....

What the hell is 'Lingnum Vitae'?!

C utz

It's number two on my list of favorite handle materials, right after mammoth ivory. It's a dense oily resinous wood very much in the vein of cocobolo and the other tropical hardwoods. It has a warm feel to it. It finishes very nicely even if it doesn't have dramatic figure.

If you have a solid piece without checking, it should be fairly stable and not prone to warping. Keep it cool when grinding/sanding. I've never put it on a razor, only knife handles and those are relatively thicker.

Dark greenish brown to black, with pale yellow or cream-colored sapwood. Extremely hard and dense with interlocking grain. Difficult to work, but shapes well. High oil and resin content make it useful for bearings, pulley blocks, or sole plates.