Sapele’s Ribbon Figure Depends on Orientation Sapele’s interlocked grain creates alternating light-and-dark ribbon bands most clearly on quartersawn surfaces. The same reversing fibers that produce this figure can also lift and tear during cutting. Practical takeaway: Position the blank so its strongest ribbon figure crosses the intended show surface. Use a freshly sharpened tool and light shear cuts to preserve the shimmering bands without leaving torn fibers.
