Ostrich bone: origins and identity

The ostrich(Struthio camelus) is the largest living bird, reaching heights of over 2.50 m and weighing 150 kg. Native to the savannahs and steppes of sub-Saharan Africa, it is now farmed on several continents - South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, as well as France and Spain - for its meat, skin and feathers. Its bones, particularly those of the lower limbs, have a dense, compact structure that clearly distinguishes them from the bones of other poultry. Long under-utilized in Western craftsmanship, they have gradually found their way into cutlery thanks to their characteristic surface texture and availability from controlled farms with no CITES issues.

Properties and technical characteristics

Ostrich bone has a moderate density, lower than that of camel bone but higher than that of many light woods. Its natural surface is smooth to slightly grainy, with a cream to beige color, sometimes crossed by veins or golden hues depending on the section used. Its trabecular internal structure - visible on certain cuts - creates natural patterned effects that sanding and polishing gradually reveal.

Resistance and machinability

Ostrich bone is easy to work in the workshop: sawing, drilling, sanding and polishing present no particular difficulty with standard cutlery tools. It can be fastened with screws or rivets, provided they are not over-tightened. Its sensitivity to humidity is real - like all natural bones - which justifies the interest of stabilized versions for handles intended for intensive use or a damp environment.

Stabilized version

Vacuum stabilization impregnates the bone with a resin that fills micro-pores, eliminates sensitivity to humidity and fixes the color. It also enhances overall mechanical strength and facilitates mirror polishing. For knife handles intended for sale or everyday use, the stabilized version is recommended.

How to choose ostrich bone for your knife?

The choice between natural bone and stabilized bone depends mainly on the intended use and the level of finish required:

• Decorative use or collector's knife: natural bone is ideal, with a wax or oil finish to protect the surface.
• Everyday use or a damp environment: the stabilized version is more dimensionally stable and insensitive to humidity variations.
• Beginning cutlers: ostrich bone is a good learning material - it is more forgiving of machining errors than mother-of-pearl or hard composites.
• Experienced knifemakers: sections with a visible trabecular structure allow for highly sought-after visual effects, to be worked with progressive sanding down to 2000 grain to reveal the natural pattern.

Ostrich bone pairs well with mirror-polished or satin-finish stainless steels, as well as with damascus, which creates an elegant textured contrast. Brass, nickel silver or titanium plates complete the harmonious ensemble.

Mercorne and ostrich bone: 34 years of selection

Mercorne has been offering ostrich bones for many years, selected from suppliers with controlled breeding and processing practices. Each piece is cut in our workshop in France, according to standardized formats facilitating direct processing. Our catalog includes the most common formats - wafers, slabs and sections - in natural dried and stabilized versions. Products in stock are dispatched on the day of order, with free delivery for orders over €90, and returns accepted within 15 days.

Frequently asked questions about ostrich bone

Are ostrich bones subject to CITES regulations?

No. The ostrich(Struthio camelus) is a species bred on a large scale and not protected by the CITES convention. Unlike elephant ivory or the tusks of protected mammals, the purchase, sale and use of ostrich bones in cutlery does not require any specific regulatory document.

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

Natural bone retains its original color and texture, but remains sensitive to humidity, which can cause slight dimensional shifts. Stabilized bone is impregnated with resin under vacuum: it becomes insensitive to humidity, more mechanically resistant and easier to polish. For a knife intended for regular use, the stabilized version is recommended.

How do I care for a natural ostrich bone handle?

Regular polishing with mineral oil or beeswax is sufficient to protect the surface and preserve the bone's natural lustre. Avoid soaking the handle in water, and wipe it dry promptly after wet use. Stabilized bones do not require this special care.

Is ostrich bone suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's an accessible material. It can be sawn, drilled and sanded without difficulty using standard tools. The only constraints are those common to all bones: avoid overheating when drilling, and work the abrasive grains progressively to obtain a fine surface polish.