Pine is widely used everywhere. It's a very supple and fast growing wood, with very distinctive graining. This piece is sourced from Crumlin, Co Antrim.
Fire hardening is just that- a way of flaming the wood in order to preserve it, a practise known to many cultures in many ages. It shows how beautiful the woods darker side can be, as well as giving it the help to last for a lifetime.
Finished in a beeswax/linseed mix. 
Measures around 7.5 inches wide, by 2.5 deep.