Hammerson Curly Maple
From a bladesmith’s shop to Salt Shaker Woodworks, Hammerson Curly Maple carries its story forward.
The Story
I met Justin and Gwyndolyn Hammerson through a mutual friend a few years back. Justin is a bladesmith and runs his own business, Hammerson Co. One day he called to say he had an abundance of wood blanks of varying sizes that he couldn’t use and wondered if I might be interested.
When he brought them by the shop, I was delighted to see they were blocks of Curly Maple. I picked up a good stack for next to nothing, and they’ve since become part of the Salt Shaker Woodworks inventory. I don’t know what Justin would have done with the wood had I passed, but I’m glad I didn’t take any chances. Reclaimed instead of forgotten, this Curly Maple now has a new story to tell.
About the Tree
Curly Maple most often comes from Red Maple, though it occasionally shows up in Sugar Maple as well. Both species are admired for their brilliant fall color, ranging from bright yellow to deep crimson. Red Maples in particular are widely spread across North America, growing tall with broad canopies that mark the change of seasons in striking fashion.
About the Wood
Curly Maple is not a different species of maple, but a rare figure that occurs when the grain of the wood grows in waves instead of straight lines. Most often found in Red Maples, the effect creates shimmering ripples that shift with the light — a feature woodworkers call “chatoyance.”
That striking figure has made Curly Maple highly sought after for centuries, especially in fine furniture and musical instruments. While the figure doesn’t change the strength of the wood, it transforms the look, turning an ordinary maple board into something extraordinary. In the shop, those rippling lines add depth and beauty to every piece I make.
Why It Matters
These Curly Maple blanks could easily have been overlooked or set aside, but instead they found their way into the shop. The unique grain figure in each block is a reminder that even small pieces of wood hold big potential when reclaimed.
By putting this maple to work, its character isn’t lost or wasted — it’s carried forward into pieces that highlight its uncommon beauty and tell a story worth keeping.
Made From Hammerson Curly Maple
Hammerson Curly Maple wine stopper — available now.
Hammerson Curly Maple Texas Ranger Special Edition whiskey topper — available now.
The Hammerson Curly Maple pieces above are available now and linked to their product pages. Custom orders are welcome while this limited supply lasts. And be sure to check what else is available beyond Curly Maple—there’s always more wood with a story waiting.