The medium matters. My go to is sinkerwood that lived it's early years as old/first growth Douglas fir. After being  harvested the remaining  stump and root system became and stayed submerged when the Cowlitz River flooded the valley when the Mossyrock Dam was built. The wood was under water for 5 plus decades, leading to the process of the sap in the wood being replaced by the mineral content of the waters and causing thethem To become very hard and strong. Sinkerwood is highly sought after.

I love unique one of a kind wood just like you. That being the case not every gift Nature brings my way is meant for carving. 1 of a kind items from coffee tables, signs, tobacco pipes, boxes, and even rings can be found here,  carving them is always a solid option, but never required.