Lignum Vitae

New grading system for lignum vitae:
AA grade : The grain is fairly straight, no sapwood or checks in the piece. Sometimes called “Bearing grade”
A grade: The grain may have some movement, most or all sapwood gone when turned round, no checks unless truly tiny and not significant. Could have tiny bark inclusions or really tiny knots (most don’t) (Bowl blanks may have a small amount of sapwood on one or two edges and can be turned off or left on for effect.)
Figured: Like A grade but has figure in it. No defects, may or may not have sapwood.
B grade: A good piece, and the sapwood varies from 15-40%. No cracks, possible small tight knot and possible small hairline check. Excellent Value, and offers a contrasty look. Requests for high sapwood will be allowed, (not for low sapwood).
C grade: The piece has some deep checks and would reguire some superglue to fix them, if you can’t cut around them. Even if you have to cut these to smaller sizes, they are still very inexpensive. Priced to move.

The pieces below have been color coded to easily see the grade: