This incredibly vibrant species initially presents reddish orange tones that deepen to even richer tones over time. Some pieces of Padauk almost look like tiger stripes, with a reddish orange dominating the grain and lashes of brownish black spaced throughout. As with many of our premium woods, Padauk produces natural oils even after being cut, making it harder to glue or finish. These natural oils do contribute, however, to a lovely natural luster and smooth finish. Padauk can be found in central and west Africa, so our Viking Lumberjack predecessors wouldn't have had access to this wood, either. At a Janka hardness rating of 1970, though, it would have made a rather menacing knife handle, in our professional opinion.