Cocobolo

Rare Wood Series: Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)

Cocobolo belongs to the rosewood family and is one of the most visually dramatic hardwoods found in nature. Its rich palette ranges from deep wine red to orange, gold, and espresso brown, often woven together with dark ribbon-like streaks. No two pieces ever look the same — each one feels like a painting hidden inside the grain.

Beyond its beauty, Cocobolo is one of the densest and most durable woods in the world. It has a naturally oily surface, a silky feel, and an unmistakable scent when worked — qualities that once made it highly prized for fine instruments, heirloom furniture, and handcrafted objects meant to last a lifetime.

Today, Cocobolo is considered a rare and carefully regulated hardwood. Responsible sourcing matters deeply. Much of the material available today comes from limited, controlled harvests — which means that Cocobolo isn’t a wood to use casually. It is a material that asks for intention, restraint, and respect.

Why You Rarely See Cocobolo in Cutting Boards

Even though I specialize in cutting boards and functional kitchen pieces, Cocobolo is rarely used as a primary cutting surface. There are a few reasons why:

• It is extremely rare
• It is very dense and naturally oily
• It can be sensitive for some individuals when worked or sanded
• And most importantly — it should be preserved for meaningful, lasting applications

Instead, Cocobolo shines as:

✨ a stunning accent
✨ an inlay
✨ a carefully placed design detail
✨ or a feature element in a limited Signature piece

This allows the wood to be celebrated — without excess.

Why I Love Working With Cocobolo

There is a depth to Cocobolo that feels almost emotional.

It feels like a wood with history — rooted, warm, and full of character.
It invites slower work.
It asks to be honored, not consumed.

Cocobolo reminds me why I fell in love with woodworking in the first place:

The material itself matters.

Used With Respect

Whenever I incorporate Cocobolo into a piece, it is done sparingly — with thoughtful design and a quiet appreciation for what the material represents.

Some pieces truly deserve something rare.

And Cocobolo meets that moment with grace.

🌿 Featured in My Work

You may occasionally see Cocobolo used in select limited Signature Collection pieces — always in small quantities, always intentionally, and always with respect for both the material and its source.

Because sometimes, it’s the smallest detail that tells the biggest story.

This article is part of my Rare Wood Series — exploring uncommon hardwoods and the beauty they bring to handcrafted design.