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Waves of stunning figure with an iridescent raindrop effect will make your next knife project stand out. 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.
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.
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.
What does “stabilized” mean?
Stabilized refers to wood that has been impregnated with resin under pressure. This process reinforces softer or highly figured areas, filling microscopic voids and strengthening the wood from the inside out. Because resin and dye absorption varies with wood density, some colour variation within a blank is normal. Minor internal imperfections are also a natural part of working with real wood. For these reasons, we do not offer refunds for colour variation or slight internal imperfections.
Fun facts about Pomelle Sapele:
Pomelle Sapele isn’t a separate species — it’s a rare figure found in some Sapele trees. The dramatic “quilted” or blistered pattern is caused by irregular grain growth, which is why pomelle boards are much rarer (and more valuable) than standard Sapele.
It’s a favorite in high-end instruments and interiors. Pomelle Sapele is commonly used for luxury guitar backs and sides, fine furniture, and yacht or automotive interiors because it offers the visual drama of quilted maple with the warmth and stability of an African hardwood.
Price per block in Canadian dollars.
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