I find the smell to be distinct but fairly neutral, not particularly good or bad.
Part of me knows it’s not the best wood to inhale (not that any wood is “good” to) which I think balances out the positive association the smell has with woodworking for me

It’s a pain to find in my area despite growing all around here, at least in terms of woodworking material. And the few times I do see it milled and dried for use here it’s priced higher than it really should be. I honestly just keep my eyes open for people selling it as firewood, though that’s almost always already been cut short and split plus often has cracks forming from improper drying. I make it work though, even if just as accent pieces!

I can definitely smell it as well, though I find it pleasant believe it or not. It reminds me of some condiment, but I can’t think of which right now.

https://ediblealchemy.co/edible-invasive-plants-black-locust/#:~:text=Can%27t%20Beat%20It%3F,locust%20tree%20(see%20below)!

Could you explain more, on a two year old thread.

Wow! That is very nice.

Agreed- it was not Black Locust. The New Englanders used to say —in reference to Black Locust Fence Posts — “It lasts one day longer than stone”. I have worked extensively with the wood and the items I have built that are outside year around have zero indication of rot.

From what you’re telling, I seriously doubt that your boards were black locust. I tore down a fence made of black locust, some years ago. That fence was older than me – built by my grandfather which died many years before I was born. Also, that fence never saw any drop of varnish, paint, oil or any other kind of finish. Aside from a thin layer of grey wood on the surface, caused by the sun, the wood inside the posts was healthy as new, only extremely dry and rigid. And strong like iron – you could neither hammer nails into it nor tear out old and rusty nails.