DESERT IRONWOOD - (Olneya tesota)  grows mainly in Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico.  Heartwood color ranges from an orangish yellow to a darker red or brown, with darker violet to black streaks. Some pieces may be almost entirely black. Sap wood is narrow and yellow. Desert Ironwood is perhaps one of the most sought off woods in knife-making It has  high density, stability, and grain patterns and colors creating a unique combination of characteristics that’s ideal for decorative handles.