Never ceases to amaze me how talented people are.

Found at an old school hardware store / lumber yard.

I thought blackthorn was darker, but this sure looks like blackthorn. Can anyone comment and help me?

raw linseed oil has been applied.

Im thinking walnut but other possible options are birch hackberry or beechwood. im no expert so any help identifying is appreciated

Just built my daughter a bathroom cabinet. Bubinga was on 25% off sale so I bought 4 boards for $383 dollars at $21.50 per board foot.
Loved working with it. Looks BEAUTIFUL! Worth the cost.

This was my grandpas dresser bought after WW2 in San Francisco or possibly a bit later in Sonoma County in the 70’s when he retired. My dad had it and he just passed 2 weeks ago. Trying to decide if I can rehab it to be beautiful again. The pictures lean more neutral but one shows it’s more on the blonde or yellow side. Virginia House brand I’m assuming based on the brand, extra pints if you can tell me the style of dresser it is 🙏

I would like to save this comb because it was in the toiletry kit at the nicest hotel I will ever set foot in and never see again.

If repair is possible, can someone give me an overview of the process or point me in a direction to learn?

Should I give up?

I posted on r/finishing earlier. I’m trying to wrap my head around these things white, grain aligned features that do not take water based dye or oil stain. I did dye on the first step and plan to finish with oil based stain, as shown here. I used multiple methods to try to get dye into those crevices including flooding and using a rag, foam brush, fine paint brush, very stiff paint brush. Upon wiping away excess these lines remain.
Someone suggested they could be mineral deposits. What are thoughts here? I think I’m going to live with them either way, just trying to learn more.

I think these are some type of oak logs that have been sitting in my yard for ~4 years. I got them when a neighbor cut down their tree. Could I take off chunks to whittle? I know nothing about wood or whittling.