{"product_id":"russian-olive-stabilized-pen-blank","title":"Russian Olive Stabilized Pen Blank","description":"\u003cp\u003e1 x 1 x 6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive is a distinctive and highly characterful hardwood prized by woodturners for its unusual color, dramatic grain, and natural figure. The heartwood can range from golden yellow and tan to olive-brown, reddish-brown, and darker chocolate tones, often with striking color variation within the same piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Russian Olive is best known as a tree that has become established outside its native range, its wood has become increasingly popular with woodworkers looking to turn reclaimed or locally sourced material into one-of-a-kind projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Name: Elaeagnus angustifolia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily: Elaeagnaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenus: Elaeagnus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecies: Elaeagnus angustifolia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon \u0026amp; Trade Names\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive, Russian Olive Wood, Olive Leaf, Oleaster, Persian Olive, Wild Olive, Silver Berry, and Narrow-Leaved Olive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: Russian Olive is not a true olive (Olea europaea). Despite the similar common name, the two trees belong to different botanical families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Distribution\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive is native to parts of Central Asia and southeastern Europe and has been introduced extensively throughout North America and other regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is commonly encountered growing along waterways, roadsides, agricultural areas, and disturbed landscapes. Because it is often removed as an invasive or unwanted tree, Russian Olive wood can be an excellent example of turning reclaimed material into useful, high-character lumber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive is known for its attractive and sometimes surprisingly colorful heartwood. Colors can range from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden yellow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlive green\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmber\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReddish-brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlive-brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome pieces can display dramatic streaking, knots, mineral coloration, and contrasting areas of heartwood and sapwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFreshly cut material can be especially colorful, while exposure to air and finishing may deepen and change the appearance over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain \u0026amp; Texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grain of Russian Olive can range from straight to irregular, wavy, or interlocked. Knots, crotches, branch inclusions, and other natural features are common and can produce highly figured blanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe texture is generally fine to medium, allowing Russian Olive to take a smooth finish and polish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause much Russian Olive comes from smaller trees, branches, and reclaimed material, blanks may contain natural character such as knots, bark inclusions, voids, or other features. These characteristics are part of what makes each piece unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood Characteristics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive is a moderately dense hardwood with good hardness for turning and small woodworking projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximate characteristics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDensity: Approximately 40–45 lbs\/ft³\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecific Gravity: Approximately 0.60–0.70\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJanka Hardness: Approximately 1,000–1,200 lbf\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActual characteristics can vary depending on growing conditions, age, moisture content, and the individual tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStability \u0026amp; Durability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProperly dried Russian Olive can be a stable and durable material for smaller woodworking projects. As with many fruit and ornamental hardwoods, careful drying and acclimation are important, particularly with thicker pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural density and hardness of the wood make it well suited for projects that receive regular handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkability \u0026amp; Woodturning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive can turn beautifully with sharp tools. Its moderate-to-high density allows it to produce crisp details while its fine texture can result in a smooth surface after sanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is especially well suited for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePen blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottle stoppers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGame calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife handles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife scales\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall bowls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorative turnings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarving\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall specialty projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts irregular grain and natural inclusions can create interesting turning challenges, but they can also produce some of the most visually distinctive finished pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinishing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive responds well to oils, waxes, cyanoacrylate finishes, lacquers, polyurethane, and other common woodworking finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clear finish is particularly effective for bringing out its golden, olive, amber, and brown tones while highlighting the natural grain and figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the wood can contain irregular grain and end-grain areas, thorough sanding is recommended before applying the final finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal Uses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive wood blanks are excellent for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePen blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWoodturning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife handles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife scales\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottle stoppers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGame calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall bowls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarving\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorative woodworking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialty turning projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom woodworking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth \u0026amp; Safety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with other hardwoods, Russian Olive dust can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Use appropriate dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection when cutting, sanding, or turning the wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause individual sensitivity varies, discontinue use if irritation occurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCITES \u0026amp; Conservation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is not generally considered a CITES-regulated timber species. However, regulations concerning the movement of plant material and wood can vary by jurisdiction. Buyers are responsible for verifying any applicable requirements for international shipments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInteresting Facts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive is not actually an olive. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family rather than the olive family, Oleaceae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is also valued by woodworkers because material from removed or reclaimed trees can be turned into beautiful specialty lumber rather than going to waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of unusual color, knots, irregular grain, and natural figure means Russian Olive blanks can have a very different appearance from one another—even when they come from the same tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy Choose Russian Olive Wood?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Olive is an excellent choice for woodworkers who want something different from traditional hardwoods. Its combination of golden and olive tones, dramatic grain, natural figure, and reclaimed character makes it especially appealing for one-of-a-kind projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're making a custom pen, knife handle, game call, bottle stopper, or decorative turning, Russian Olive provides natural character that is difficult to duplicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOakbrook Wood Turning Supply offers Russian Olive wood for woodturners, pen makers, knife makers, call makers, and craftsmen looking for unique hardwood blanks with distinctive natural color and figure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45216501334216,"sku":"Russian olive 138","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0004\/1399\/0978\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_073b1fff-51ae-4dc1-ae19-a28b8cedc02c.jpg?v=1789921144","url":"https:\/\/oakbrookwoodturningsupply.com\/products\/russian-olive-stabilized-pen-blank","provider":"Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}