A Big Grip Question?

Nighthawk

July 12, 2002 06:12

I own several handguns that have Rosewood grips,I have heard the term all my life,But never put deep thought into it.What is Rose Wood? Ive never heard of a Rose Wood tree.The same applies to Cocobolo Grips on a couple of my 1911s.If any one could explain this to me I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks in Advance!!

Rugster

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  compgunfire

  July 12, 2002 06:46

  The wood names "Cocobolo" & "Rosewood" are the common names to a species of tree.
  
  "Rosewood" - comes from South America. Its species name is "Dalbergia stevensonii". It is a hardwood, heavy and dense. The heartwood is pinkish to purple brown with irregular black markings. Grain is straight with a medium to fine texture.
  
  "Cocobolo" - comes from Central America. Its species name is "Dalbergia ssp.". It is also a hardwood. The heartwood is a varigated color from purple red to yellow, with black markings. It is a hevay wood with irregular grain with a medium fine texture.
  
  Both of these woods are popular with custom grip makers. Both are easy machined. Offer good strenght and of course their "coloring" make attractive grip panels.

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  Nighthawk

  July 12, 2002 08:13

  Thanks alot for the info,you sure know your trees.You answered something I had been curious about for years.
  
  
  Best!!
  
  Rugster

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  He Dog

  July 12, 2002 12:33

  Pretty nifty info Campfiregun, Thanks.

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  101AIRBORNE

  July 12, 2002 14:10

  Well, I am impressed! 101

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  airborne

  July 12, 2002 16:24

  compgunfire,
  
  Definitely learned something from your response, thanks.
  
  B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze

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  Basil_O

  July 12, 2002 17:04

  Both of these woods are considered tonewoods. The top of a high end guitar is usually some kind of spruce. The back and sides of mid range models are mahogany. The better models are rosewood or more exotic tropical hardwoods. Currently Brazilian rosewood is considered endangered and it's importation into this country is illegal. If you have a better 50's vintage Gibson guitar, chances are the sides and back are of Brazilian rosewood. If you need a source for some stock of available tropical hardwoods for carving custom handles etc. Look up some firms on the net that deal in tonewoods for instrument makers. They will have blanks for necks that could be considered for this purpose. This stuff is not cheap. The guitars made of this type of material go for $2000 and up.

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