Natural bone in cutlery: origins and history

Before wood, before synthetic materials, there was bone. The first knife handles fashioned by man were carved from animal bone - robust, readily available and easy to work with the rudimentary tools of the time. Cattle, deer and cetacean bones: each civilization drew on its local environment to equip its blades.

Over the centuries, industrialization has introduced plastics and composite materials. Yet bone has never disappeared from the cutlery trade. It carries a memory, a natural irregularity, an authenticity that synthetic materials cannot reproduce. Today, specific species - camel, giraffe, zebra, kudu, ostrich - are selected for their mechanical properties and particular beauty, in compliance with current regulations.

Properties and technical features

The characteristics of natural bone vary according to the species and anatomical part used. On the whole, it offers good surface hardness, good resistance to abrasives and clean cutting with a saw or lathe. Its internal structure - composed of a weave of mineralized collagen fibers - gives it a certain resilience to light impact.

Natural raw bone

In its untreated form, bone retains its ivory to beige color, natural variations in hue and slight porosity. It is sensitive to prolonged humidity, which can cause slight warping if the piece is not properly stabilized or protected at the end of assembly.

Stabilized bone

Stabilization involves vacuum-impregnating the bone with an acrylic resin that fills its porosity and strengthens its structure. The result is a much more dimensionally stable material, resistant to humidity, skin oils and thermal variations. Stabilization is particularly recommended for heavy-duty knives or knives intended for outdoor use. Mercorne carries out some of its stabilization in-house, at La Monnerie-le-Montel.

Tinted bone

Tinting, whether or not combined with stabilization, enables us to obtain straightforward, uniform colors - black, red, blue, green - while preserving the veins and natural structure of the bone. This is a process mastered in Mercorne's workshop, enabling us to offer exclusive colors not available on the standard market.

How to choose a bone for a knife handle?

The choice of bone depends on a combination of criteria: the intended use of the knife, the desired level of finish, and the craftsman's sensitivity to visual appearance.

• Daily or intensive use: choose a stabilized bone, which is more resistant to humidity and handling grease.
• Collector's knife or unique piece: natural raw bone, with its chromatic variations and irregular veins, offers an irreplaceable character.
• Ifyou 're looking for a specific color, look for stained or deer bone - a surface tint that preserves the natural ivory appearance of the internal veins.
• Species and texture: camel bone is dense and fine-grained, ideal for meticulous finishing; giraffe bone has a graphic dark-brown vein pattern; zebra bone features contrasting natural striations.
• Exclusive: stabilized giraffe bone is a Mercorne exclusive in Europe - unavailable elsewhere in this preparation quality.

Mercorne and natural bones: 34 years of selection

Mercorne has been selecting, preparing and cutting bones in its Puy-de-Dôme workshop since 1992. The range covers the main species used in craft cutlery - camel, giraffe, zebra, kudu, ostrich - with, for several of them, treatments carried out in-house: stabilization, tinting, cerféage. This in-house expertise guarantees consistent production runs, consistent quality and exclusive colors that you won't find from general retailers.

Giraffe bones are subject to CITES regulations (Appendix II). Mercorne provides the CITES number for all orders destined for the European Union. For shipments outside the EU, a specific export permit is required - an administrative surcharge applies. Contact Olivier for all international orders involving this item.

Each order is shipped within D+0 (working days). Returns accepted within 15 days. Free delivery for orders over €90.

Frequently asked questions about natural and stabilized bones

What's the difference between natural bone and stabilized bone?

Natural bone is untreated: it retains its original porosity, color nuances and sensitivity to humidity. Stabilized bone has been vacuum-impregnated with an acrylic resin that fills the pores, reinforces the structure and makes the material waterproof. For a regular-use knife, stabilized bone is generally recommended.

Is camel bone different from beef bone found elsewhere?

Yes, camel bone has a particular density and grain, with characteristic natural striations. Its surface hardness is slightly higher than that of standard bovine bone, which makes it easier to polish and gives a finer finish when it leaves the workshop. This is why it is favored by high-end cutlery craftsmen.

Is it possible to stain or stabilize natural bone purchased from Mercorne?

Yes, experienced craftsmen can do their own stabilizing or staining in the workshop. Mercorne also offers pre-treated bones for those who wish to save time or obtain a homogeneous result without specialized equipment. If in doubt about the protocol, Olivier is available to advise.

Are giraffe bones subject to special regulations?

Yes, the giraffe is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention, which means that its sale is subject to specific rules. For all orders within the European Union, Mercorne provides the required CITES number - the process is included and requires no further action on your part. For shipment outside the EU (Switzerland, UK, USA, etc.), a specific CITES export permit is required, at extra cost. Please contact Olivier before placing your order to ensure that all formalities are properly anticipated.

What finish should I apply to a bone handle?

On natural bone, a mineral oil or hard wax (such as beeswax) applied at the end of mounting protects the surface and brings out the natural nuances. On stabilized bone, the resin already protects the material - progressive polishing down to fine grain (2,000 to 3,000) is generally sufficient to obtain a glossy or satin finish, depending on preference.