BLACK SELECT Tamboti Handle Block | [BS-TAM-046]

BLACK SELECT Identification

BLACK SELECT ID: [BS-TAM-046]
Species: Tamboti
Botanical Name: Spirostachys africana
Species Code: TAM
Process Date: January 2024
Safe Use Date: January 2025

Also known as African Sandalwood, Cape Sandalwood or Tambootie

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 Tamboti. It has not been resin-stabilized or impregnated with synthetic resin.

Tamboti is an exceptionally hard, dense and fine-grained African hardwood. Published figures place its average dried density at approximately 955 kg/m³, with a specific gravity of approximately 0.96 at 12% moisture content. Its density and naturally compact structure mean that resin uptake during conventional vacuum stabilization can be limited and that stabilization offers considerably less benefit than it does with softer, more porous timbers.

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

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.

The end grain is sealed with paraffin wax to control moisture loss and help minimise splitting and checking during the drying process.

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 was sealed with paraffin wax after processing to slow moisture loss through the ends and help reduce the risk of splitting and checking while the timber dried.

The paraffin wax can be removed when the block is ready to be worked.

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 allow the timber to acclimatise to their working environment before incorporating it into a finished knife.

Working Safety

Tamboti requires particular care when being worked.

Tamboti contains naturally occurring toxic compounds. Its wood dust and sawdust are known irritants and can cause serious irritation to the eyes and skin.

When cutting, drilling, grinding or sanding Tamboti, we strongly recommend:

• effective dust extraction;

• suitable respiratory protection;

• properly fitted eye protection; and

• avoiding unnecessary skin contact with the dust.

Wash exposed skin and hands thoroughly after working with the material.

Do not burn Tamboti offcuts or dust. Smoke produced by burning Tamboti is toxic.

Natural Material

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

Tamboti heartwood can range from golden brown through reddish brown to considerably darker tones and commonly displays darker streaking. These natural variations are part of what makes individual pieces particularly attractive as knife handle material.

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.