Fortunately, Stinkwood doesn't, at least while it's on the lathe. I wasn't really sure what I'd be getting into when I selected this blank for a letter opener for Anna, but was pleasantly surprised while working with it. And not just because it didn't smell bad.

This wood was surprisingly easy to work with, and it turned very quickly. Unfortunately, it didn't look like it was going to be anything special to look at while it was on the lathe. Once I sanded and finished it, though, it really did develop into a nice piece. I'll get better pics of this and the dymondwood pen after the hiatus.

I need to find a letter opener kit that uses a standard 2" segment for turning. The last two letter openers I've done had 2 3/8" segments, and that just enough longer than the throw on my drill press that it made boring the hole a little difficult. So I'm still experimenting with kits as well as woods.

I should also point out that the Stinkwood blank also came from Zambezi Exotics.