re: Pan Scraper

Betting that one for 24 bux wasn't made of BE Maple either. As to the roughness in hand feel, that of course is the eyes themselves. As you look at end grain it's like a bunch of little tornados, and each one is a change of direction with a swirl of grain, that across the face makes dips and bumps. The best way to smooth them without tearout is to wet the surface before planning, or sanding. I liken it to working on sheet metal for a car, and do a wet sanding with the same type of abrasives the car guys use, so it doesn't tear up the paper. Sometimes if it's wildly eyed, it is a lot of work, but the finish is spectacular. Something with a finer, closed, grain like hard Maple, or yes, Mesquite would give a nice hand feel with less work, but if you do the BE, you will be amazed. But it's gotta be wet to work it. 

Nice job Jim. 

Happy Spouse, Happy House.