Curly birch is a highly sought-after material for knife handles due to its beautiful, unique grain pattern and durability. At Roselli, we exclusively use premium curly birch to ensure that our knife handles meet the highest standards of quality and aesthetics. This results in handles with an intense and prominent marbling, which may sometimes lead to small cracks. In this blog post, we explain why these cracks occur and whether they affect the knife’s functionality.
Curly birch – A unique wood material for knife handles
Why do small cracks appear in curly birch?
The small cracks that sometimes appear in premium curly birch are a natural effect of the tree’s structure. The more intense and irregular the marbling, the more varied the fiber direction, which can create minor tensions in the wood during the drying process. These cracks are usually superficial and do not impact the wood’s strength or longevity.
Do the cracks affect the durability of the knife handle?
No, these small cracks do not negatively impact the handle’s functionality. Curly birch is a highly durable wood, and we always ensure that our handles meet the highest quality standards. If any crack is deeper, it is stabilized during the manufacturing process through oil treatment or other methods.
How to care for a curly birch knife handle?
To preserve the beauty and durability of the handle, we recommend:
• Regular oiling – Apply a small amount of linseed oil or beeswax to maintain the wood’s moisture balance and reduce the risk of further cracking.
• Avoid extreme conditions – Wood is a living material that reacts to temperature and humidity. Avoid leaving the knife in water for long periods or exposing it to significant temperature changes.
Summary
Curly birch is an excellent material for knife handles due to its strength, beauty, and unique grain pattern. The small cracks that may appear in particularly marbled pieces are a natural characteristic of the wood and do not affect its function. With proper care, your handle will remain beautiful and durable for generations.
Do you have more questions about our materials and manufacturing processes? Feel free to contact us!