Red Shank Navigator

[CSue]

This wood comes from property my grandfather homesteaded here in So California. I've never seen anyone use this wood for much more than fire. Adenostema sparsiformium ("Red Shank.") But it's one of my favorites.

All comments welcome.

 

[papaturner]

Awesome! I see why you like the wood, looks great.

 

[mredburn]

Subtle color, nicely done.

Mike

 

[Craftdiggity]

I like it. It's a nice color. I wonder why it is not often used.

 

[SDB777]

Sapwood definitely adds to the quality of the blank!



Scott (Congrats on the firewood rescue!!!!) B

 

[NewLondon88]

Looks great! Reminds me of red cedar. Does the color remain or does it change
over time?

 

[boxerman]

2 nice pens.

 

[CSue]

Interesting about this wood . . . the sapwood is the RED coloration. This is two sides of the same pen. I had thin branches and had to drill carefully so I could get the red sapwood to show on the pen. The coloration will just get more vibrant as it ages.

 

[maxman400]

Great looking Pen Cathy

 

[ZanderPommo]

love it! looks like a cross between tulipwood and yew. very interesting about the sapwood

 

[Mark]

That is a very nice wood. Great looking pen too... Nicely Done.

 

[wizard]

Very nice pen. Beautiful wood..Great job.

 

[Pioneerpens]

Looks great Sue! It also reminds me of cedar! very nice!

 

[bitshird]

Very pretty wood, I wonder why it isn't used for any thing else? it sure made a nice pen, good to see you still turning.

 

[CSue]

Red Shank, Adenostema sparsifolium, grows more in a "bush" form. Although it can grow to more than 20 feet high, most of the branches are less than 2" diameter. As it dries, it cracks and splits lengthwise quite a bit. It makes a great walking stick. It also is used quite alot in camp fires or fireplace along with oak logs for a wonderful aroma. It isn't in the cedar family. My brother and grandfather would whittle with it.

Last fall, when I went up for a family gathering, I was able to bring home a few nice branches. Only a third of that was pen blank quality as it fractures and dries quickly. Next time I'll bring a better saw and get some larger pieces of wood.

 

[lcary]

Very attractive pen! Looks like cedar!