Shallow Bowl

Knobthorn, another gem from Africa, ranks impressively high on the Janka hardness scale, denoting its robust nature. While it shares certain similarities with African Blackwood, particularly in terms of hardness, its grain is distinctively less dense. This characteristic, however, does not detract from its workability. In fact, Knobthorn turns and finishes beautifully, often revealing unexpected surprises within its grain as it is worked.

For this specific project, I was fortunate to have a piece of Knobthorn that was wider than usual, which inspired a unique design approach. I opted for a very flat bottom coupled with steep, almost vertical sides, motivated by the desire to showcase the wood's exquisite grain. This design choice proved to be a success, as the bottom splendidly highlighted the grain's natural beauty.

The final product was so captivating that it immediately caught the attention of a family friend. In a rather unceremonious yet flattering gesture, they claimed it for themselves, a testament to the allure and appeal of the piece. The Knobthorn bowl not only fulfilled its functional purpose but also stood as a striking work of art, embodying the inherent beauty of the wood.