Madrone is one of the sturdiest woods I use. It's like carving marble when completely dry.  However, when freshly cut after a wind storm, it's is by far the most enjoyable wood to work with hand tools.  The silkyness and bubble gum color grain waves make this spoon a hard one to part with.  I specifically designed this larger and thicker for a sturdy feel capable of mixing concrete.  
 
hand carved, finished with walnut oil, and burnished with a small river stone.