This is a new spindle design that I came up with.
It has roots in the Phang spindle definitely, but it also has some of the aesthetics of the Russian spindle, namely the belly toward the bottom.
Both sides are pointy, which made me think of a thorn, hence the name.

From my experience, it is a little faster than my phangs. I of course recommend building your cop on the spindle belly for the better balance.

The black tint is not a stain but a chemical process called ebonization. The solution I use reacts with the tannins of the wood and turns it dark brown or black depending on the amount of tannins contained in that specific cut of wood. In this case, I achieved a dark velvety black.

Wood: italian walnut
Weight: 23 grams
Lenght: 28 cm (11 inches)
Finish: ebonization, shellac, beeswax