African Blackwood & Buffalo Horn Wa Handle

African blackwood is among the most prized woods in the world — exceptionally dense, naturally oily, and polished to a near-mirror finish. The deep, lustrous black color with subtle purple undertones makes this one of our most striking handles. Paired with a blonde buffalo horn ferrule for elegant contrast.

True African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) is a slow-growing hardwood native to the Mopane savannas of southern Africa — its density approaches that of ebony but with a finer, more even grain. The weight shifts balance toward the hand, giving this handle a planted, authoritative feel that suits heavier blades like deba, large gyuto, or nakiri.

Details: Octagonal profile · African blackwood body · Blonde buffalo horn ferrule · Fits standard wa tang · Hand-shaped, polished to a near-mirror finish