The Flat Stick: Flat sticks are made out of a rare Philippine hardwood called Gijo (gi-ho'). Gijo is one of the most favored woods used by boatsmen who make their fishing and traveling vessels of it. The shiny appearance of the wood does not come from a coating of wax, but rather it is an oil that is a natrual part of the wood's composition. Only rare Lignum Vitae and a small number of other exotic hardwoods have this quality. Gijo contains natural occurring oils which can repel water and that is why it is chosen by most wood carvers who live near the sea in the Philippines. Wooden furniture, such as chairs and tables made of other types of wood exposed to elements such as the sun, rain, and salty air will crack in time but Gijo does not. Gijo wood, even today, is sometimes found buried in the ground or in the ocean and then brought up and used for making boats and furniture. There is no other wood like this, as you can see!

As for it's strength, Gijo outdoes the strength of both Kamagong and Molave. Additionally, Kamagong can crack upon impact, and Molave does not have the waxy finish, though Molave wood still makes for a very good weapon. These are the advantages of Gijo over the other the other iron woods in the Philippines.

One more point: You will not be able to get Gijo wood anywhere else. One must be very well connected in the Philippines just to get it shipped out of the country. This is a VERY rare wood indeed!

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