Hornbeam Pen Blank

A wonderfully dense and characterful pen blank crafted from Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), a native British and European hardwood renowned for being one of the hardest and heaviest timbers grown in the UK. Often overlooked in favour of more exotic species, Hornbeam rewards the discerning pen turner with its clean, pale colouring, fine grain, and exceptional durability — producing pens with a quiet, understated quality that speaks for itself.

Wood Characteristics

• Colour: Pale cream to white with a subtle greyish tone — clean, light, and consistent, often with a gentle ripple or fleck visible in the grain
• Grain: Fine and straight to slightly irregular with a smooth, even texture — often displaying attractive subtle figuring including a faint ripple or muscle-like pattern
• Hardness: Very hard and dense — one of the hardest native European timbers; excellent durability and a solid, substantial feel in the hand
• Finish: Sands and polishes to a superb, silky smooth surface — outstanding finishing qualities that reward careful, patient work
• Workability: Turns well with sharp tools; the exceptional hardness benefits from steady, careful cuts and well-maintained edges

Supplied

• Size: Approx 20 × 20 × 150mm
• Quantity: 1 pen blank
• Supplied dried and ready to turn

Natural wood — colour and grain will vary between blanks. Images are representative.