The Art of Stabilizing Foraged Wood: Giving New Life to the Story of Nature

In the heart of my knifemaking process, there is more than just steel and craftsmanship. there is a connection to nature. Every handle I create carries a story, not just of the knife itself, but of the wood that shapes it. Many of the materials I use are foraged from the forest, collected from fallen trees, forgotten branches, or even unexpected sources like fungi. Some pieces come from places rich in history, like mahogany that arrived at Luka Koper 45 years ago, which my father once used to build a roof. These woods are more than just materials; they are fragments of time, waiting to be given new purpose.

Why Stabilize Wood?

Not all wood is naturally suited for knife handles. Many of the pieces I find in the forest are soft, porous, or have started to decay. While their patterns and textures are stunning, they need reinforcement to become durable and functional. That is where the stabilization process comes in.

Stabilizing wood involves impregnating it with resin to fill the pores, making it harder, more resistant to moisture, and less likely to crack or warp over time. This not only strengthens the wood but also enhances its natural beauty, making the grain more vibrant and ensuring the handle will last for years to come.

The Stabilization Process

The process of stabilizing wood is both technical and artistic. Here is how I do it:

1. Selection & Preparation - I choose pieces of wood that have unique grain patterns or an interesting history. The wood is then cut into blocks and thoroughly dried to remove any remaining moisture.

2. Vacuum Infusion - The dried wood is placed into a vacuum chamber filled with stabilizing resin. By removing all the air from the woods pores, the resin can fully penetrate even the softest areas.

3. Curing - Once the wood is fully saturated, it is removed from the resin and baked in an oven to harden the material. This process locks the resin into the fibers, transforming fragile wood into a strong, stable, and water-resistant material.

4. Shaping & Finishing - After stabilization, the wood is shaped into knife handles, polished, and treated to bring out the deep colors and natural textures hidden within the grain.

Giving New Life to Forgotten Wood

Every time I stabilize a piece of foraged wood, I feel like I am preserving a small piece of natures history. The mahogany I collected from my fathers old roof, for example, has already lived one lifetime as part of a home. Now, it continues its journey in the form of a knife handle - something that will be used daily, touched, and appreciated by its owner.

This approach isnt just about sustainability; its about storytelling. Each knife carries a connection to the past, a tangible piece of nature transformed into something both functional and beautiful.

By stabilizing and working with foraged wood, I am not just making knives - I am preserving memories, honoring nature, and crafting tools that will stand the test of time.