What looks like driftwood, but can be made food safe / hygenic

[Mikkel Hollnagel]

Hi friends,

I need some inspiration. I am drawing up a set of three kitchen knives for myself. The set will consist of a chef knife, a pairing knife and a small pointy utility knife. Blades will be diff. HT UHB20C, vinegar etched, simple and old school. Bolster will be antiqued bronze or copper.

 

My question: I would love to finish the handles in a furrowed dark wood (texture like drift wood, but darker color), with a low luster satin finish (not shiny, but "warm").

 

Thus:

1. Which kind of wood am I looking for here?

2. How to finish it, so that it will look like described above, without being un-hygenic?

 

Any input or direction setting will be highly appreciated - cheers

[Wesley Alberson]

I'm no wood expert, but if you had some driftwood, couldn't you alter the color with dyes, or maybe stabilize it? I'm not aware of any wood that has the texture of driftwood, with the lines and all. I did see, however, some finishes that will give the wood the same color of driftwood, but that's not what you are after.

[Austin_Lyles]

If I was to do it, I would either stabilize some driftwood, or epoxy all the holes up with clear epoxy so that food materials won't get into it.

[Bret]

If you have access to a sand or bead blaster you can make any wood look like driftwood. Dry it well and hit it with a bead blaster it will bring out the rings and the texture. You can also use it to shape the handle for an organic feel. Stabilize it after you have your desired shape, and then hit again lightly to bring back the matte finish.

[Mikkel Hollnagel]

Ofcourse Bret! Why did'nt I think of that

 

Great idea, thanks.