BLACK SELECT Red Ivory Handle Block | [BS-RI-027]

BLACK SELECT Identification

BLACK SELECT ID: [BS-RI-027]
Species: Red Ivory
Botanical Name: Berchemia zeyheri
Species Code: RI
Process Date: March 2026
Safe Use Date: March 2027

Also known as Pienk Ivory, Purple Ivory, Unnini or Umgoloti

Part of the BLACK SELECT range of premium handle materials from Black Dragon Forge.

Every BLACK SELECT block is individually selected and processed by hand for its colour, grain, character, soundness and suitability for use as a premium knife handle material.

The Exact Block You Are Buying

The block shown in the photographs is the exact block you will receive.

BLACK SELECT blocks are listed and sold individually. Natural variations in colour, grain and figure are part of the character of the material and make every block unique.

Individual Block Dimensions

Thickness: [26.0 mm]
Width: [40.0 mm]
Length: [130.0 mm]

Each BLACK SELECT block is individually processed by hand. Dimensions may therefore vary slightly from one block to another.

The dimensions shown above are the actual dimensions of this specific block.

Natural, Unstabilized Timber

This BLACK SELECT block is solid, natural Red Ivory. It has not been resin-stabilized or impregnated with synthetic resin.

Red Ivory is an exceptionally hard, dense and fine-grained hardwood. Its natural density leaves very little available pore space for meaningful resin uptake, making conventional vacuum stabilization largely unnecessary and of limited benefit for this species.

We therefore supply our Red Ivory in its natural, unstabilized state, allowing the maker to work with the inherent colour, grain, density and character of the timber itself.

The only surface treatments applied during preparation are a light coat of Black Dragon Forge Alkanet Root Oil to reveal the colour and grain, and paraffin wax on the end grain to control moisture loss while the block completes its drying period.

Preparation

Each block is individually prepared by hand and finished to 230 grit.

It is then lightly coated with Black Dragon Forge Alkanet Root Oil to reveal the grain, colour and individual character of the timber and allow the maker to properly assess the piece before use.

Black Dragon Forge Alkanet Root Oil is manufactured by Black Dragon Forge and is available exclusively from us.

Processing & Drying

The Process Date is the date on which this block was cut to its current dimensions.

The Safe Use Date is the earliest date from which we recommend using the material for a finished knife handle.

The end grain has been sealed with paraffin wax to slow moisture loss through the ends and help minimise splitting and checking while the timber continues to dry.

The paraffin wax should remain in place during the drying period and can be removed when the block is ready to be worked.

Before the Safe Use Date

This material is still undergoing its natural drying process.

Until the Safe Use Date, we recommend storing the block:

• indoors;
• out of direct sunlight;
• away from excessive heat; and
• where reasonable air circulation is available.

We recommend leaving the end-grain wax intact during this period.

Important Information About the Safe Use Date

The Safe Use Date is our recommended earliest use date, based on the date on which the timber was processed to its current dimensions and the drying period allowed thereafter.

Timber remains a natural material and continues to respond to the temperature and relative humidity of its environment. The Safe Use Date should therefore not be interpreted as a guarantee that the block has reached a particular moisture content under every possible storage or workshop condition.

The maker should satisfy themselves that the timber has reached an appropriate moisture content and has acclimatised to their working environment before incorporating it into a finished knife.

Natural Material

Red Ivory is a natural material. Differences in colour, grain, figure and other natural characteristics are expected and are not defects.

Because every BLACK SELECT block is photographed and listed individually, you can select the specific piece of material that best suits your knife.

Selected. Processed. Photographed. Sold individually.