Pau Ferro

Pau Ferro is a striking tropical hardwood prized for its rich brown heartwood with darker streaks and subtle pink or reddish hues, creating a natural, elegant appearance. Native to South America, particularly Brazil, this wood is valued for its durability, stability, and fine texture, making it ideal for artisan woodworking and decorative projects.

Its straight to interlocked grain allows Pau Ferro to machine, turn, and sand smoothly, producing a polished surface that highlights its natural color variations. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, and small furniture accents, Pau Ferro delivers both visual appeal and functional strength in every piece.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Machaerium scleroxylon

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay)

Common & Trade Names

Pau Ferro, Santos Rosewood, Bolivian Rosewood, Ironwood, Morado

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: rich brown with darker streaks and subtle pink/reddish tones

Sapwood: pale, sharply defined

Fine to medium texture

Straight to interlocked grain

Dense, durable, and stable

Smooth natural luster

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns well with sharp tools

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for small precision projects and decorative crafts

Health & Safety Note

Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding Pau Ferro.

Pau Ferro wood, Machaerium scleroxylon, Santos Rosewood, Bolivian Rosewood, exotic hardwood blanks, pen blank wood, knife handle wood, turning wood, decorative hardwood, artisan woodcraft