Hickory

Hickory is a renowned hardwood prized for its light to medium brown heartwood with occasional reddish hues and straight to slightly wavy grain, offering both strength and visual appeal. Native to North America, particularly the eastern and central United States, Hickory is celebrated for its extreme hardness, durability, and shock resistance, making it ideal for both functional and decorative woodworking projects.

Its straight to slightly wavy grain allows Hickory to machine, turn, and sand cleanly, producing a polished surface that highlights its natural color and subtle figure. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, furniture accents, and specialty crafts, Hickory combines rugged strength with attractive aesthetics.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Carya spp.

Family: Juglandaceae

Origin: Eastern and Central North America

Common & Trade Names

Hickory, Shagbark Hickory, Pignut Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, Carya

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: light to medium brown, sometimes with reddish hues

Sapwood: pale, clearly defined

Straight to slightly wavy grain

Medium to coarse texture

Extremely hard, dense, and durable

Natural polished luster

Excellent shock and wear resistance

Workability

Dense and hard; requires sharp tools

Machines, sands, and turns well with care

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for high-impact or precision projects

Health & Safety Note

Hickory wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding.

Hickory wood, Carya spp., North American hardwood, pen blank wood, knife handle wood, turning wood, decorative hardwood, artisan craft wood, dense hardwood, shock-resistant wood