Swingman wrote:

Ahh, but the ones of which I speak are indeed TEAK ... not the no name,
pacific rim, mystery wood of which you speak.
snip

These days, teak is supposed to come from plantations that exist
specifically to insure a supply of honest teak.

Having said that, comparing plantation teak to virgin Thai teak is
about the same as with any other wood.

The virgin timber is head and shoulders above the 2nd, 3rd, etc,
growth timbers.

Harvesting Thai teak using the elephant has been outlawed on a world
wide basis; however, that and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at a
cheap restaurant.

Not sure if China abides by the ban or not.

Lew