Knife handles can be made of various materials both natural and synthetic. Wood, however, is the preferred choice of most users, as it provides a comfortable grip and is elegant, prestigious, and sustainable at the same time.
Generally, there is not a best wood for knife handles, but it depends on how people want to use it.
In this article, we discuss the different types of wood you can choose for knife handles and their characteristics.
What is the best wood for knife handles? It depends on the purpose
Knives can be both objects for everyday usage and precious collector’s items, and their purpose determines the essence used.
The type of wood used is as important as the steel chosen for the blade, as the right one determines the quality, functionality, and beauty of the final result.
A prestigious essence will be selected to create an exotic and ornamental knife, while a simpler and less expensive type of wood will be used to manufacture a knife for heavy usage or a kitchenware object.
You should offer a wide range of possibilities in your catalogue to satisfy each client’s requirements.
Let’s discuss the best wood for knife handles depending on how you want to use them.
Oak
Oak is a very common wood for knife handles, especially kitchenware, as it is beautiful, stable, durable, easy to manage, and cheaper compared with other types of wood.That is why it is often enhanced with engravings and embossing.
Knife handles made of oak are generally different shades of brown and will last for years.
Cocobolo
Cocobolo is probably the most durable hardwood. It is resistant to wet and dry conditions, which is why it is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor knives.
Its veins have a wide range of colors, ranging from yellow, orange, and red to purple, brown, and black. It is very high in demand all over the world and a rather expensive essence. No matter how much you use it, it will last for years.
Bocote
Bocote is a unique, exotic type of wood and has yellowish veins mixed with black stripes that make it very distinctive. It can be used to create elegant and prestigious knives that will stand out from the others.
It is an expensive wood that comes from Mexico and Central America and is rather durable and very beautiful.
If you want to offer unique and custom knife handles, you should choose Bocote.
Bloodwood Satine
As you can guess from the name, Bloodwood Satine—also known as Cardinal Wood—is reddish in color, sometimes an intense deep red. It is an exotic type of wood found in Central America and the Caribbean.
It is rarely used for knife handles but is an original and durable choice, especially ideal for enthusiasts who look for a unique product.
It needs a little bit of maintenance to maintain its beautiful color.
Olive
Olive comes in light shades, ranging from yellow to brown that become darker as the wood ages.
It is moderately durable and must be treated properly to protect it from insects and parasites and make it last for a long time.
It is not very expensive and can be easily manufactured to create complex and original shapes.
Birch Laminate
Birch trees are very common all over the world, from America to Russia, so birch laminate handles are widely available.
It is very durable and can resist frequent use and continuous contact with water, which is why it is frequently used to create outdoor and camping knives.
Amboyna Burl
Amboyna Burl—also known as Padauk—is a rare and expensive type of wood. It is very strong and stable and comes in various colors, such as red, yellow, and golden brown.
It is used for custom knives, as it is elegant and extremely prestigious.
Walnut
Walnut is prestigious, too, and the preferred choice of enthusiasts and collectors who use their knives only occasionally and look for a beautiful object.
It is strong, resistant, and durable but flexible enough to be easily managed.
Cherry
Cherrywood is frequently used for knife handles, as it offers a great, almost polished look.
It comes in red/brown shades that become darker with age, making it even more elegant and beautiful.
It is also resistant and rather strong. It is ideal for people who want a knife handle for everyday use without ignoring its elegance and beautiful appearance.
Hickory
Hickory is a good choice for making a knife handle, being tough, strong, flexible, shock resistant, and cheap.
It is light in color, ranging from brown to cream, and its open grains provide a good grip and comfort for everyday use.
Maple Burl
Maple Burl is one of the most common types of wood used for knife handles today. It has a comfortable grip and looks good.
This wood needs to be stabilized with resins before machining to prevent cracking and make it long-lasting and durable. This treatment process make maple more resistant to wet environments, such as the kitchen.
Thermo Beech and Ash
Two of the most known and used wood essences, that in the their natural version do not have an outstanding appeal. The thermo-treatment not only make them aesthetically more interesting, but it also guarantees an improved stability in terms of wood innate tendency to variation.
In fact, both the 190° and the 215° thermo-treatments give a darker shade to the two wood essences, avoiding the use of additional varnishing, make you save time and money.
In addition, those kind of treatments are not superficial as a paint finishing, but they penetrate deep into the wood block. The thermo-treatment also increases the water-resistance of the wood, offering a more durable product to the final consumer.
Even if there is not a best wood for knife handles, some are better for certain purposes. You need a competent manufacturer that knows the difference between the various types and can advise you about the best choice.
First, you need to find the right balance between price and durability to offer cost-effective products in your catalogue. Then, you can evaluate the many different finishing options available to make a decision, considering your clients’ preferences and market demand.
If you need a partner that can help you, Minelli S.p.A. is the right choice.
Our experts are at your service!
