Ahrends Cocobolo??

Retired W4 · #1 02-25-2015, 05:12 PM

I traded some take-off K/L targets for these Ahrends stocks which were sold as cocobolo. I understand that cocobolo can not be harvested any longer. Maybe Kim will see this and tell me what they are. Short of that, any ideas? There is always a lot of variation with a natural product such as wood. They do feel great on my 4" 27-2.

ma deuce · #2 02-25-2015, 05:35 PM

They look like cocobolos to me, a little on the dark side. I've got three sets of Ahrends in cb, and wish I could get more.

Dave · #3 02-25-2015, 05:36 PM

Those look like cocobolo. Ahrends did make grips from cocobolo. (I have 3 sets of cocobolo Ahrends grips that I ordered directly). He is no longer making them from cocobolo due to the import ban, but there are Ahrends cocobolo grips floating around out there that were made prior to the import ban.

Hapworth · #4 02-25-2015, 06:45 PM

Almost assuredly cocobolo -- looks exactly like several pairs I have.

Cocobolo's still harvested, but under CITE's "endangered" strictures, so it's more expensive and there are more bureaucratic loopholes for harvesters, suppliers and buyers to jump through. Kim decided to avoid the costs and especially the risks, and I don't blame him.

Shorty 45 MK2 · #5 02-25-2015, 06:50 PM

They sure are!

Very nice looking as well.

Retired W4 · #6 02-25-2015, 06:51 PM

Thanks all. That's what I was hoping to hear. I ordered some CB from Kim some time ago also but don't remember which is which.

one eye joe · #7 02-25-2015, 07:05 PM

THAT'S A GREAT LOOKING SET OF GRIPS--DEF COCOBOLO. IMHO, KIM IS THE BEST. IN AFTERMARKET, IT'S EITHER AHRENDS OR ELSE PACHMAYRS FOR EXTREME DUTY……..

muddocktor · #8 02-26-2015, 01:12 AM

That's some nice looking Cocobolo grips, Retired W4.

I bought a set of Cocobolo Ahrends off the forums a couple of weeks ago myself and presently have them on a blue 27-5. They look good on it, but when my old nickel 27-2 gets back from S&W from it's 41st birthday tuneup I think I will put them on it. Nothing like a nice set of Cocobolo grips to set off a shiny nickel revolver.

weatherby · #9 02-26-2015, 01:20 AM

Cocobolo for sure W4

Nothing like a nice set of Cocobolo grips to set off a shiny nickel revolver.

I agree.....just wish I could find the gun/guns

r3captain · #10 02-26-2015, 01:50 AM

My 25-13 has the same cocobolo stocks from the factory.

LazyKB · #11 02-26-2015, 12:47 PM

One sure way to find out is to send one of the panels to me. I'll wear it next to my skin for a day. If I break our in a poison ivy rash its cocobolo. I bought a set from Craig Spegal for my 642. Wore it inside the pants in the summer. Broke out in an itchy rash. Internet said Cocobolo was toxic to some people. Lucky me. Craig said in all his years I was his second customer to have a reaction. Healed up and tried again. Same thing only easier. Carefully removed the finish, light sanding wearing respirator, and six coats of polly. We'll see what happens this summer.

Retired W4 · #12 02-26-2015, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LazyKB

One sure way to find out is to send one of the panels to me. I'll wear it next to my skin for a day. If I break our in a poison ivy rash its cocobolo. I bought a set from Craig Spegal for my 642. Wore it inside the pants in the summer. Broke out in an itchy rash. Internet said Cocobolo was toxic to some people. Lucky me. Craig said in all his years I was his second customer to have a reaction. Healed up and tried again. Same thing only easier. Carefully removed the finish, light sanding wearing respirator, and six coats of polly. We'll see what happens this summer.

That's the first time I have heard that one. The poly should keep you protected, I hope.

Cocobolo looks good on nickel and blue.

Hapworth · #13 02-26-2015, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired W4

That's the first time I have heard that one...

Yeah, last year when I was researching the CITES restrictions on cocobolo I too was surprised to learn what a dangerous, toxic wood it can be to work with; breathing mask, lots of ventilation and beware skin exposure if you're sensitive.

Stories of inhaling the particles were pretty nasty...

Shame for the endangered list -- I think cocobolo's the best looking wood for revolver stocks. A lot of woodworkers think the endangered status is trumped up by the manufacturing countries of origin to boost prices, but that might just be grousing.

ma deuce · #14 02-26-2015, 05:00 PM

Kim's started offering a couple of new woods to make up for the loss of cocobolo. I just got a set of N Frame grips in Bubinga for my Highway Patrolman. Bubinga is a lighter, almost pinkish wood but with much the same grain as cocobolo. When I get a chance I'll post some pictures. Very nice.

Mark6005 · #15 02-26-2015, 10:57 PM

Recently tried to buy Ahrends cb for my 686 Kim says no more