Ho Wood / Magnolia

Light cream to pale tan, very fine straight grain. At ~450–550 kg/m³ it is notably light, and that lightness is the point. Moderate water resistance, assuming dry storage. It has a characteristic mild magnolia scent when fresh. It is the standard traditional material for Japanese wa knife handles, because its lightness is what lets Japanese knives achieve their characteristic blade-forward balance. A heavier replacement handle shifts the balance point noticeably.