Kingfisher Appalachian Hickory
 
Appalachian Hickory or "Impact Grade Hickory" refers to specific varieties of Hickory from the central Appalachians with properties suitable for martial art equipment. Common kiln dried hickory for general woodwork, is not as desirable for martial art weapons as the thick slabs of slowly air dried stock that Kingfisher acquires from small family owned mills. Appalachian hickory is either bone white or light reddish in color. It has a graceful grain structure and a smooth texture. The shock strength of Appalachian Hickory exceeds all native and exotic species including the commonly used Japanese white oak (shiro kashi). While oak becomes brittle as it ages, Appalachian hickory retains its phenomenal toughness indefinitely. Normal practice with similar weapons will create, over time, an extremely tough tempered surface - (see maintenance for more information). Even after years of heavy use, it is less likely to snap into dangerous pieces than other harder (and more brittle) woods. Ideally, the best dojo choice would be the uniform use of this material for paired practice. It's safe, strong, attractive and comes from a well managed domestic source. Kingfisher Appalachian Hickory is graded for overall qualities of soundness and differences in density that occurs within the species.
 

Wood Grade Considerations: Higher grade levels are more dense with tighter grain structure and a smoother tactile feel. While all of this material is strong, wood with higher grade rank will generally be tougher, more beautiful, and more resistant to denting. Appalachian Hickory has both white and reddish hues. Grading is not made according to color as the quality of Appalachian Hickory is not related to color. We prefer that you do not order weapons on the basis of color but if so expect a potential delay in delivery time, slight changes in grade classification and additional charges.

3

Appalachian Hickory Quality Grade Level 3:

Grade level 3 hickory weapons may have color variations. There may be some minor character marks. The density of level 3 wood is about .75 specific gravity which is in the lower range of this species. Level 3 would be a good choice for martial artists seeking a reasonably priced, moderate use weapon.

  

     

4

Appalachian Hickory Quality Grade Level 4:

Grade level 4 hickory weapons may have color variations. There may be some minor character marks. The density of level 4 wood is about .81 specific gravity which is in the lower to mid range of this species. Level 4 would be a good choice for martial artists seeking a general, moderate use weapon.

  

     

5

Appalachian Hickory Quality Grade Level 5:

Grade level 5 hickory weapons may have color variations. Any marks on the wood add to the aesthetic appeal of the weapon. The density of level 5 wood is about .88 specific gravity which is in the mid range of this species. Level 5 would be a good choice for martial artists seeking a higher quality weapon.

  

     

6

Appalachian Hickory Quality Grade Level 6:

Grade level 6 hickory weapons may have color variations. This wood has a beautiful tight grain structure with density of about .94 specific gravity, which is in the high range of this species. Level 6 would be a good choice for martial artists seeking a very high quality weapon.

  

     

7

Appalachian Hickory Quality Grade Level 7:

Grade level 7 hickory weapons may have color variations. The density of level 7 wood is about .97 specific gravity. Its weight gives it a feeling of the most substantial presence and its fine grain give it a superb tactile smoothness. Level 7 would be a good choice as a gift for a senior practitioner or for a martial artists seeking the best quality.