DRETCHEL Spearguns use 100% old-growth Burmese Teak
Burmese Teak is selectively harvested from well-managed forests in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and these trees supply some of the most stable, durable lumber in the world. Decades ago, there was a time when many countries refused to source from Myanmar due to political and humanitarian issues. During that time, Teak plantations in other countries began to crop up, and as demand for Teak increased “plantation Teak” (Tectona grandis) was grown in areas as widely varying as Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Unfortunately, the soil chemistry in these non-native locations is different enough from Myanmar’s soil that plantation Teak is inferior. The high silica content in Myanmar’s soil contributes to the water- and weather-resistance of the wood, so the soil chemistry and climate variations in other parts of the world result in a much less consistent color and grain. The color of plantation Teak is less lustrous and is slightly lighter in tone.
Aside from soil chemistry, plantation Teak differs in another major way. Burmese Teak is extremely stable and durable. Plantation Teak, on the other hand, is more rapidly grown and harvested. This fast growth and harvest rate results in a lesser quality and may affect the denisty of the wood. Boards from plantation Teak are more likely to crack and warp as a result of the fast growth. These plantation trees have a larger percentage of lower branches, which, despite pruning, causes pin knots which create greater defects and slope of grain issues resulting in less stability. Plantation Teak requires more maintenance to make up for these deficiencies.
Burmese Teak is used for fine boatbuilding thanks to its beautiful golden tones, stability, durability and resistance to the elements.
Selecting Quality Teak For Spearguns
TEAK GRADES
The inner portion of the tree is called Heartwood, it is the part of the tree containing the high quality, dense, rich colored hardwood lumber which is ideal for use in spearguns. It carries a “Grade A” in the Teak wood industry.
The timber in this grade is obtained from the extreme center of the log (heartwood) of a tree that is fully mature. It is recognized by a uniform golden-brown color. It has CLOSE/TIGHT GRAINS and a glossy surface which is oily to touch. It will have all the desired teak properties such as resistance to weather and water and natural beauty. It is very pricey because it is only fifth to one-quarter of the entire log.
The timber that is obtained from the outer heartwood makes Grade B teak. It makes up about one fourth to one-third of the entire log. Thus, it is lesser in price as compared to grade A teak. It is lighter in color. Grains are uneven, wider and the wood has less shine. It has a very small amount of teak natural oils. It does not withstand extreme outdoor conditions and needs certain protective treatments.
The outer portion is a softer, less dense, lighter colored wood called Sapwood. It carries a “Grade C” in the wood industry. It typically has more visible knots since it was the living, outer part of the tree with branches. It can usually be found much cheaper than the heartwood lumber. Sometimes lumber will have both types if it’s cut from the transition area of the tree.
I only use GRADE A heartwood for all speargun builds because it will hold up over time with just an oil finish.
Grain
Old slow growth trees will have a tight, closely spaced ring pattern in the inner heartwood section. Each line represents 1 year of tree growth. Most of the wood I use is possibly over 100’s of years old. Fast growth plantation teak will have very large spaces between growth rings.
The images below show some of my 8/4 and 4/4 size Burmese teak with excellent, tight grain orientation including a blank stack of 4 layers ready for laminations.
Sizes
While there are many standard lumber sizes available, there are two sizes that are great for most speargun builds. They are called 4/4 (“four-quarter”) and 8/4 (“eight-quarter”) which basically means 1” and 2” thickness. Finished lumber will actually be smaller than those sizes due to the milling of the boards. For example 4/4 will be around 0.75” and 8/4 will come in around 1.75”. When the lumber yard calculates the amount of wood you’re buying they include the part that was already milled off. So you pay for the sawdust left at the mill. It is sold in “BF” or board feet. One BF is 12”x 12” x 1” or 144 cubic inches. High quality teak will usually cost around $40-45 (updated 2022) per BF. It’s not cheap!
I prefer to buy all my teak from known premium lumber stores, but you can also find it online now (below). This could be helpful for someone attempting their own build and not interested in hand picking or locating suppliers etc. (I’ve never used the wood on this link so can’t offer an opinion)
