Superior Snakewood, Unsurpassed Quality

Primarily found in Suriname, Piratinera guianensis, Snakewood, is also known as Letter wood, Speckled wood, and Leopard wood. Its Latin name means Guiana sea pirate. It is considered by experts to be the World's rarest commercially available species. The wood is difficult to work and dry wood can still check if it is heated while sanding. Despite its difficultly in working, it is a stunning wood that has reds and blacks in a traditional Viper pattern. This is undoubtedly where it acquired the name Snakewood. The tree is small, slender, and grows up to a foot in diameter and 40-60' tall. There is a varying amount of figure in each tree so each log can produce very different grades of lumber. Uses include: violin bows, knive handles, canes, pens, bottle stoppers, umbrella handles, pool cues, fishing reel seats, and more!