Sassafras Tea?

I made two of these boxes fifteen years ago. Intended to be shooter’s range boxes, they turned out to be too heavy and clunky for that use. I now use one as a traveling tool box, the other for storage. Dimensions are 22 by 10 by 10 inches. A sassafras carcass, with mixed hardwood interior fittings. Half-inch box joints are left proud for visual interest. There are three layers of storage, two being removable trays.

          

With the exception of a fitted tray of carving gouges, the box is only populated with a specific selection of tools when traveling. Why sassafras? My lumber yard had wide planks.