Kosso

Kosso is a tropical hardwood prized for its dark reddish-brown to purplish-brown heartwood with fine interlocked grain, offering a striking and luxurious appearance. Native to West Africa, Kosso is valued for its durability, stability, and fine texture, making it ideal for artisan woodworking and decorative projects.

Its tight, interlocked grain allows Kosso to machine, turn, and sand cleanly, producing a polished surface that highlights its rich color and natural figure. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, small furniture accents, and specialty crafts, Kosso combines beauty with functional strength.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Afzelia africana

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: West Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria)

Common & Trade Names

Kosso, African Kosso, Afzelia, Doussie (regional trade name)

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: dark reddish-brown to purplish-brown

Sapwood: pale, clearly defined

Interlocked, fine to medium texture

Dense, stable, and durable

Natural polished luster

Workability

Dense; requires sharp tools

Machines, sands, and turns well

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for precision and decorative projects

Health & Safety Note

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

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