On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 14:38:53 -0800, Zz Yzx
wrote:

I've seen many references to "ironwood" here and in ABPW (especially
by Mac Davis, I believe). A quick search on Google and Wikipedia
reveals the name is used for dozens of species.

Any idea as to what species of wood is indigenous to the SW USA, Baja
CA, or Hawaii and called "ironwood"?

It's the Olneya tesota in the Southwestern states, dunno on Hawaii.
It's beautiful as pistol grips and knife handles. Dense, dark burl.

--
Not merely an absence of noise, Real Silence begins
when a reasonable being withdraws from the noise in
order to find peace and order in his inner sanctuary.
-- Peter Minard