| This article is the first in a series of exotic wood | | | | contrasts in smaller turned pieces, such as custom |
| used in the crafting of custom made pens and | | | | crafted pens and pencils. |
| pencils. Specifically, we focus on Bocote and reveal its | | | | This wood is a top choice among craftsmen of all |
| background, uses, and characteristics. Bocote is a | | | | types. Some uses include guitars, furniture, boat |
| beautiful wood that is an excellent choice for pen | | | | decks, cabinet making, and all types of wood |
| crafters and users of luxury writing instruments. | | | | turnings. My experience has revealed that lathe |
| Bocote, Cordia alliodora, is a tropical tree that grows | | | | turning is smooth and crisp with sharp tools applied in |
| to be over 100 feet. The name Bocote is Spanish for | | | | the cutting process. It accepts sanding and heat |
| the species of Cordia that grows in Central America. | | | | activated polish exceptionally well. As with most |
| As with many tropical trees, the Cordia species is | | | | wood bodies I craft, Bocote will change color over |
| threatened in its natural habitat but managed tree | | | | time with use from the oils of your fingers. |
| farms support the demand for this wood. | | | | I recommend giving serious consideration to selecting |
| Bocote varies in its color and grain pattern, but | | | | Bocote for your next creative masterpiece. Whether |
| typically has colors of cream to red-brown mixed | | | | you are the craftsman or the ultimate user of a |
| with darker highlights. The grain pattern is rich in | | | | wood creation, the beauty and character of this |
| character and can change dramatically, even within | | | | wood will reward your choice. Take a look at a |
| the same tree. The random grain patterns are usually | | | | Bocote photograph to see for yourself. |
| displayed in tight waves which allow for frequent | | | | |