Has anyone made, or knows anyone who has made, a Goban out of Quilted Mahogany? And would it be a good wood to make a Goban? Any suggestions would be appreciated, thank you.

I agree that technically, Mahogany suits preciously. Nevertheless, it`s one of the least woods I`d like my goban to be made from.

International Mahogany trade is banned for a reason. Wherever obtained, the money you spend will contribute to further destruction of rainforests - not just "possibly" but very, very likely. See e. g. this report to get an impression of what`s going on there.

So, I`d think more than twice. There are alternatives, including, but not restricted to, the timbers mentioned by jonathan <sup>[1]</sup>. If you`re living in the U. S. or Europe, then Cherry, Plum, Pear, Apple (in fact, most fruit trees) will do really well, Robinia (locust) or even douglas fir can also be considered.

[1] True Kaya (Torreya nucifera) is severely overexploited, too. It doesn`t play such a key role in spoiling an entire ecosystem though, as has Mahogany througout 450 years of tropical logging.

Your board may be kaya, even though that`s hard to tell for sure from distance. Given you purchased it from an aknowledged Japanese manufacturer, I`d assume the wood is real kaya. (Japan is where kaya is esteemed most. I have heard that Chinese prefer cherry, don`t know about Koreans.)

Beside the mere look, there is one point to verify easily by yourself: kaya wood has a peculiar balsamic odor. The fragrance may have softened over time, so try the downside and rub a little there with a sheet of cotton. If it doesn`t scent at all, then I`d examine the board closer ... In that case, rather than being made from a substitute, it may still be true kaya that is just coated heavily though.

so, is everyone saying that it is a bad wood to use?...or, no. I have the wood already, i don't have to go and buy it. I was just wondering if it was a good wood for a Goban. I appreciate everyone's help very much, I thank you all.

  -IKnowNotGo?