My new favorite wood for the purpose of thumb rings, is now by far, Katalox. With a Janka hardness of 3,660, a beautiful finish and superior ruggedness, I think Katalox may be the best semi-affordable wood for thumb rings. I find it much prettier than ipe, and so far, stronger. It’s not inclined to crack or chip either. Cocobolo is among my very favorite of all woods, but Katalox is simply tougher and an altogether super fine wood.
I’m unsure what style this ring is. It was made for someone who intends to explore the eastern draw. I expect they’ll not start with anything beyond 55lbs, and I think this ring will accommodate that. It took much longer than usual to make, perhaps because I knew it was directly for someone else. It’s gratis and imperfect and it works.
I may refine the symbol on the thumb pad, or remove it entirely depending on how well it fits. My engraving skills are surprisingly bad with a dremel. This must change!
Below are a few indifferently crafted rings. One is cumaru, which came from an unusually high quality, dense and rugged piece. One is ipe and the other plastic. They’re all solid and work well, but are briskly approaching ugly.
The plastic one is functionally the best. It’s a mutant aspiring to be Turkish. Similar with the cumaru version. The ipe ring is a John Doe, Joe Blow.
I may prove myself wrong in the future, but presently, I would recommend Katalox as one of the best possible woods for thumb rings. Brazilian Ebony is next.