Is this made in america?

There wasn’t any sign on it. But the item is very good and works perfect.

What’s type of hardwood used to make the clapper?

Can’t say for sure, but appears to be oak . I’ve other brands of clappers, and this is far and away my favorite. At an excellent price.

Do you have to use steam with this, or will using just heat work also?

I Never put water in my cloth irons. REALLY NEVER. Years ago I got a terrible stain on a hand smocked dress I was making for a 4-H project right at the end of finishing it up when my mothers iron (she always added water to her irons and used the steam option) spit out ugly yellow and bits of rusty liquid. I was horrified at the age of 14 who wouldn't be. All that work. I did manage to get most out but from that moment on I vowed never to use steam. SO to answer your question YES you can use with just heat as others mention but a few think not. For those of us who do not use steam or always use distilled water if by chance we do but that may not stop the occasional spitting out of rusted or discolored water from the steam holes. Anyway I do use a distilled water bottle mister. I do use steam by the way but it's by spraying fabric with distilled water in a high quaility spray bottle. I have avariety of sizes of spray bottles so I can travel with them. If I travel of course I fill with tap water when I get to the motel/hotel room. So I often do spritz my fabric before ironing and so yes that's steaming it. But I also just use a dry iron no spraying a lot too. Of course these types of blocks and dowels work with regular cloth irons not a mangle or press type. At least as far as I know.

Where is this manufactured?

I didn’t keep the box that it came in, but I can tell you it’s a beautifully crafted piece of wood that fits comfortably in my hand and does it’s job well. I’d never had one before, but I can tell you that I would make the purchase again in a heartbeat!