Redwood Gun Grips: What Makes Redwood Special?

Of the four wood species TK Grips uses for pistol grip panels, Redwood is the most visually distinctive. Its warm reddish-amber tone is unlike anything else in the lineup — not the brown of walnut, not the near-black of Blackwood, but a rich, warm color that sits somewhere between amber and copper. It's the wood that gets noticed.

Here's what Redwood is, where it comes from, and why it makes exceptional grip panels.

What Is Redwood?

The Redwood used in TK Grips panels is sourced from high-quality timber selected specifically for its color consistency and grain character. The term "Redwood" in the context of gun grips refers to wood with the characteristic reddish-amber heartwood color — warm, rich, and immediately recognizable.

Redwood's color comes from natural extractives in the heartwood — the same compounds that give the wood its characteristic warmth. Unlike stained or dyed wood, the color goes all the way through the panel. As the surface wears and is re-oiled over time, the color remains consistent rather than fading to reveal a different-colored substrate underneath.

Why Redwood Makes Exceptional Grip Panels

The Color

This is the primary reason shooters choose Redwood, and it's worth being direct about: Redwood is chosen for its appearance. The reddish-amber tone creates visual combinations that no other wood species can match:

  • On blued steel: The warm amber against deep blue-black creates a classic, refined contrast that's been used on fine firearms for generations.
  • On stainless: The warm tone against cool silver creates a striking two-tone effect that's modern and distinctive.
  • On two-tone pistols: Redwood complements both the blued and stainless elements simultaneously, tying the finish together.
  • On case-hardened frames: The amber tones in Redwood echo the color variations in case-hardened steel, creating a harmonious combination.

The Grain

Redwood typically shows fine, straight grain with occasional subtle figure. It doesn't have the dramatic swirling patterns of Root Walnut, but it has a clean, consistent character that lets the color take center stage. The grain is fine enough that checkering and texture patterns cut cleanly and hold their definition well.

The Feel

Redwood has a slightly softer feel than Blackwood or Root Walnut — not soft in a structural sense, but with a warmth and slight give that some shooters find more comfortable than denser species. It's a wood that feels good in the hand, which matters for a grip you'll hold for hours at the range.

The Finish

Redwood's moderate porosity means it accepts oil finishes readily and evenly. A well-oiled Redwood panel has a depth and warmth that's difficult to photograph accurately — it looks better in person than in any product image. The finish deepens with handling, developing a patina that makes the wood more beautiful over time.

Redwood vs. the Other Species

Understanding where Redwood fits in the lineup helps with the choice:

  • vs. Premium Walnut: Warmer, more distinctive color. Less historically traditional, more visually striking. Choose Redwood if you want the pistol to stand out; choose Premium Walnut if you want the classic look.
  • vs. Root Walnut: More consistent color and grain. Root Walnut has more dramatic figure but less color character. Choose Redwood for color; choose Root Walnut for grain drama.
  • vs. Blackwood: Opposite ends of the color spectrum. Blackwood is near-black and purposeful; Redwood is warm amber and refined. The choice depends entirely on the aesthetic you're going for.

Best Pistol Finishes for Redwood

Redwood works on any pistol, but it's particularly striking on:

  • Blued 1911s — the classic combination, warm amber against deep blue
  • Stainless 1911s and Hi-Powers — the warm-cool contrast is dramatic and modern
  • Two-tone pistols — Redwood bridges the two finishes naturally
  • Nickel-plated pistols — the warm amber against bright nickel is particularly striking

Maintenance for Redwood Grips

Redwood is the most porous of the four TK Grips species, which means it benefits from more frequent oiling than Blackwood or Root Walnut. For a range gun, oil every 6–8 weeks. For a carry gun, oil every 3–4 weeks. Use boiled linseed oil, tung oil, or Danish oil — the same products recommended for all TK Grips panels.

One specific note for Redwood: avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. UV light can fade the characteristic reddish tones over time. Store the pistol away from windows and direct light when not in use.

Shop Redwood Grip Panels

Redwood is available across all TK Grips platforms and designs. Browse by your pistol: 1911 Grips | Browning Hi-Power Grips | CZ 75 Grips | SIG P210 Grips

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