I just got back yesterday from my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii (20th wedding aniv) and learned about the Acacia Tree or KOA wood of which these scales are made. The highest populations are on Hawaii, Maui and Oahu. Its name in the Hawaiian language, koa, also means brave, bold, fearless, or warrior.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Chris, from all I've read of him, I thought Doc's choice of wood was a fitting description of Chris the "Warrior"
I did have the honor to stand over the battleship USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on Saturday...I was moved to tears by the loss of those brave soldiers as I stared down into the water only a few feet above the ship's deck and into their bodies' entombment of steel and sea. I felt small, very small among such brave, bold, and fearless Warriors. Chris is among them and I am thankful for his and his family's sacrifice for my freedom. Thank you Doc, for your tribute, and may God Bless the Surtees family.