Knobkerrie Question
 

Does anyone know what kind of wood was generally used to make a knobkerrie? Looking at them, I get the impression that many were made of Gaboon Ebony and Teak, but I can't tell which wood might be used in "authentic" and which is reserved for "tourist" pieces. Quite a few are made of lighter-colored wood(s), as well.

I found one site which said they're made of "kiate wood", but I'm having a devil of a time finding anything out about that particular species.

In my collection of clubs and sticks several types of wood appear to be used? All the real weapon knobkerries seem to be made of dense woods. I would love to know as well. I have some that range in colour from dark red brown to black, black and blonde, and Tan.

The woods do range in color and species but the gabon ebony that wood is mostly for the tourist stuff. Below are a few of mine to give you a better idea of color range and style.


Lew

LOUIEBLADES, Nice collection you have there. Has the turtle or tortoise shell been made into a shield?

Robert

Yes Robert a shield.:)





Lew

Lew, that's a nice collection you have.

I'm surprised the gaboon ebony ones would be tourist pieces, given its weight and hardness. That wood might be my among my first choices for a good head-basher.

Gabon ebony is very dense and I am sure it was used on certain older clubs. The ones to look out for are rungu clubs seems they use that wood a lot when making the tourist pieces I have one in my collection.

When and where was the turtle shield made? Can i see that from the back?

It is currently listed of sale in the swap section so we really can't discuss it now in the open forum.