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Add rich colour and subtle movement to your next knife project with this sapele knife block. Sapele is a tropical African hardwood often used as a substitute for mahogany, prized for its strength, stability, and striking appearance. Its deep red-brown, cappuccino-like colour brings warmth to finished pieces, while the interlocked grain produces a natural, wavy luster that really comes alive under finish.
Sapele works well for knife handles thanks to its durability and attractive grain pattern. It shapes cleanly, sands smoothly, and finishes to a refined sheen, making it a solid choice for both functional and display-worthy knives.
What does “stabilized” mean?
Stabilized refers to wood that has been impregnated with resin under pressure. This process reinforces the wood by filling microscopic voids and strengthening softer areas from within. The result is a block that machines more predictably, and is far more resistant to tear-out, cracking, or blowouts than untreated wood. Some colour variation within a block is normal due to differences in wood density and resin absorption. Minor internal imperfections are a natural part of working with real wood and are not grounds for return.
What are the dimensions of this block?
Each knife block measures approximately 1" thick × 2" high × 5" long. As a natural wood product, some variation in colour and grain is normal. The photo shown is a typical representation. Each block is selected at random and may vary slightly in colour, grain, or figure from the image shown.
How should I finish this block?
An oil finish like walnut oil works well for knife handle projects.
Fun facts about sapele:
Sapele is related to mahogany and is often used as a sustainable alternative in fine furniture, guitars, and luxury car interiors.
When quartersawn, sapele can display a striking ribbon-like figure that shimmers under finish.
Price per block in Canadian dollars.
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