[katana]

Originally Posted by VANDOO

IF THIS IS MADE OF THE OFTEN USED BLACK PALM WOOD THE OUTSIDE IS CONVEX AND IS USED FOR THE CARVING AS THE INSIDE IS MORE PORUS AND OFTEN CONCAVE. I HAVE SEEN THIS ON QUITE A FEW CLUBS FROM THE REGION USING THAT SORT OF WOOD AND CAME UP WITH THIS CONCLUSION FROM THE STANDPOINT OF WOODWORKING.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE THAT I HOPE WILL ILLISTRATE WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. THE OUTER CONVEX SIDE OF THE WOOD IS MORE DENSE AND WILL CARVE WELL. THE INNER PART IS MORE FIBEROUS AND CONVEX AND WILL NOT CARVE WELL. THIS PARTTICULAR CLUB IS A BOIKEN CLUB 51.5 IN. LONG FROM THE YANGORU TRIBE, NEW GUINEA.

Thanks Barry, that definately makes sense

Regards David