Ozbow

What wood is this?: No, this is not a trick question.
I know what it looks like, but I'm having trouble believing that the "hardwood" rake and hoe handles bearing the ubiquitous "made in china" label at bunnings are heavily lacquered lengths of dead straight, knot-free, tight grained yew...

It certainly looks like Yew but like you I doubt it. If it was it wouldn't be hard. Maybe it is some sort of pine???

Jeff

Whatever it is, it's dead soft; you only have to sneeze near it to bruise it.
I'll carve a little bow of it, just to see what it does.

Will be interesting to see how it turns out.

Jeff

Old Mate Gaza came around this arvo and told me about this thread , it's quite uncanny how much it looks like Yew ! I have made Bows by cutting Spotted Gum and Hickory Pick Handles lengthwise and splicing them. If your " little Bow works out Cadet maybe your onto a winner. I've heard of sourcing Bow Wood from stranger sources.

regards Perry

Will be going through my local bunnings asap to see if there's any the same!!