| Carob wood comes from the carob tree, Ceratonia | | | | also used in some baking recipes and is sold in |
| siliqua. With a rich history, varied uses, and desirable | | | | specialty stores for nutrition and medicinal purposes. |
| crafting characteristics, this wood is worthy of | | | | The wood itself is used in cabinet making, wood |
| consideration for crafting into luxury writing | | | | turnings, and other artisan applications. The carob |
| instruments. I will reveal a brief history, examples of | | | | tree typically grows to a height of about 50 feet |
| uses, and wood characteristics based on research | | | | with a trunk diameter of 30 to 36 inches. Carob is a |
| and personal experience. The resulting review will help | | | | hard, dense wood. Its color is rich, with shades of |
| you determine the suitability of carob for use in | | | | dark to light brown and red throughout. |
| crafting applications. | | | | Grain patterns are shallow waves that present |
| The carob tree thrives in warmer climates. It grows | | | | contrasting colors in a pleasing fashion. Being a dense |
| in the wild in the Mediterranean region and has been | | | | wood, it is important for the artisan to assure cutting |
| imported for cultivation in the United States, primarily | | | | tools are sharp when shaping on the lathe. An |
| California and Arizona. Its interesting history includes | | | | interesting documentary on crafting pens from exotic |
| adoption of its common name of St. Johns bread. | | | | wood may be helpful in understanding this process. |
| This developed from the belief that John the Baptist | | | | As an exotic wood, carob exhibits the hallmark |
| may have consumed the seeds and pods produced | | | | characteristics that make it appealing to artisans and |
| by the tree in biblical reference. Also of historical | | | | consumers of beautiful wood. Its rich history and |
| interest is its role in the term carat. The seeds from | | | | extensive use as food and other medicinal purposes |
| its pods were used in determining the weight of | | | | add new dimensions that are interesting to ponder. |
| precious jewels in ancient times. | | | | Overall, carob is a fine choice when considering exotic |
| Today, carob has a variety of uses beyond that of | | | | wood to use in your crafted writing instrument or |
| trees in general. As a food source, carob is | | | | other unique creations. |
| sometimes used as an alternative to chocolate. It | | | | |