Snakewood
Snakewood is a special wood that holds significant value, renowned for its beauty and rarity. Although it comes from a region not widely recognized, it has captured the admiration of woodworkers and craftsmen who are impressed by its charm and unique patterns. On this page, we’ll take you deeper into the details of this extraordinary exotic wood species. Want to learn more? Let’s dive into it!
What is Snakewood and Where Does it Come From?
Snakewood is considered one of the rarest and most beautiful exotic woods in the world. It is native to Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, and French Guiana. However, not all Snakewood is created equal. The highest-quality Snakewood, known for its highly figured dark patterns, comes exclusively from Suriname Snakewood. Snakewood from other regions tends to be less figured, making the Suriname variety the most sought after.
The quality of Snakewood is determined by the closeness and intensity of its patterns. Snakewood is graded based on this:
A grade Snakewood: Well-figured wood with dense, dark patterns.
B grade Snakewood: Less figured and therefore considered lower in quality.
Additionally, Snakewood is also called letterwood because its striking patterns can resemble letters and words. By turning a piece of Snakewood at different angles, you can clearly identify and read different words, making it even more unique and fascinating.
The Unique Harvesting Process of Snakewood
The process of harvesting Snakewood is unlike other species. It starts with expert wood harvesters who can recognize the tree's potential. Once identified, the tree is cut down using chainsaws, and the extent of the sapwood and center hardwood is revealed. The sapwood is then carefully removed in a multi-step process.
Once a Snakewood tree is harvested, it’s typically 15-20 meters in length. The tree is cut into shorter sections (around 1 meter long) before the sapwood is removed. This is done by cutting rings around the bark, deep into the sapwood, and eventually reaching the dark brown center. The final step involves removing these cut rings with an axe, leaving only the precious Snakewood core.
A single Snakewood tree can yield between 800 to 2000 kilograms of wood, depending on how large the center hardwood is. Snakewood logs vary in diameter, typically between 8 to 25 centimeters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snakewood
Why is Snakewood So Popular and Expensive?
The unique snake-like skin patterns of this wood make it instantly recognizable and very desirable. Its appearance is so distinct that its name, "Snakewood," directly reflects its look. No other species resembles Snakewood in its patterning or texture. In fact, Snakewood's letter-like patterns give it the alternative name "letterwood."
In addition to its beauty, Snakewood is one of the most expensive woods in the world. A few factors drive its high price:
Snakewood trees are difficult to identify in the forest, requiring experienced wood harvesters who can determine the tree's age and the quality of the wood inside.
Snakewood trees have a lot of sapwood, which is milky white and less valuable. The valuable part of the tree is the dense, dark-patterned hardwood in the center.
Due to these factors, Snakewood is harvested using traditional methods, making it more labor-intensive and costly to process.
The Challenges of Harvesting and Transporting Snakewood
Snakewood trees are often found in remote and challenging environments, such as mountains and swamps. This makes harvesting even more difficult, as the logs need to be carried by hand over difficult terrain. Once cleaned of their sapwood, 1-meter sections of Snakewood are transported by hand to the main road, where they are loaded onto trucks and taken to the city.
At our Sawmill these logs are cut down into various dimensions, including:
Knife blanks
Turning blanks
Tonewood blanks
Custom sizes as requested by customers.
This labor-intensive process further adds to the rarity and value of Snakewood for knife making and other woodcraft applications.
The History and Importance of Snakewood in Suriname
Beyond its beauty and rarity, Snakewood holds historical significance in Suriname. In the past, Snakewood was used as a form of currency, exchanged for goods in trade. Today, Suriname remains a well-known source of this prized wood, particularly for its sweet wooden smell and density, which make it challenging but rewarding to work with.
We at Exotic Wood Source are proud to offer the finest Suriname Snakewood, bringing this exotic material to customers worldwide. Ready to experience the allure of Suriname Snakewood? Place your order or request a quote today! Email us at info@exoticwoodsource.com, and our team will assist you in finding the perfect piece for your project.
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Snakewood is a rare and exotic hardwood, so it's essential to find a reputable supplier who offers sustainably sourced and high-quality lumber. Exotic Wood Source specializes in providing premium Snakewood logs and lumber directly from Suriname
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Snakewood is considered one of the most expensive woods in the world due to its rarity and desirable properties. Prices can vary depending on the quality, dimensions, and availability. Contact Exotic Wood Source for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
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Snakewood is prized for its beauty and unique properties, making it ideal for various applications, including:
Musical instruments (violin bows, guitar fretboards)
Fine woodworking and turning (pens, bowls, jewelry)
Knife handles and gun grips
Inlays and marquetry
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At Exotic Wood Source, we are committed to sustainable forestry practices and ethical sourcing. Our Snakewood is harvested responsibly from well-managed forests in Suriname, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
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Snakewood is a dense and durable hardwood, but proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity. We recommend applying a high-quality oil or wax finish to protect it from moisture and periodically cleaning it with a soft cloth.