Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a wood finish (particularly an oil finish) the wood can become nearly black. However, unlike most other dark hardwoods, the heartwood of wenge can lighten (rather than darken) when exposed to sunlight.
Wenge
I was told by a long-standing customer that his 7-year-old knife was, "like new." I asked, "How can that be?" He said, "Because I take care of it!" So, I encourage three things; (1) it is sharpened. You keep it HONED! (2) Blade is friction fit (channeled) in the sheath. Reinsert the blade in same spot you extracted it. (3) A little mild soap and water, rinse, and wipe dry.
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