The Mbouse: origins and invention

Mbouse was born at the Mercorne workshop in La Monnerie-le-Montel, Puy-de-Dôme. Mercorne came up with the material by combining dried cow dung - sourced specifically from the herds of the Lozère Aubrac region - with colored resin, using an exclusive hand-crafted process. The name itself is a Mercorne creation, a direct contraction of "bouse" and the brand name. This material exists nowhere else: Mercorne is the inventor, the manufacturer and the sole owner of the recipe.

Properties and technical characteristics

Mbouse comes in ready-to-work sheets or sleeves. Its structure is that of a resin-organic material composite: cow dung, once dried and integrated into the resin, creates fibrous inclusions in shades of ochre, brown, beige and gold, crossed by the nuances of the chosen resin. The visual effect is natural, warm and full of character.

Machining behaviour

Mbouse can be processed like a conventional stabilized resin. It can be cut with a band saw, machined easily and sanded to fine grain without any particular difficulty. The surface gradually reveals its patterns as it is sanded. Its density ensures good grip and satisfactory resistance to daily wear and tear.

How to choose Mbouse for your knife?

Thanks to its ease of use, Mbouse is just as suitable for beginners as it is for experienced craftsmen. It is particularly suited to projects where you want to offer something unique and rooted in authentic French terroir.

• For a utility or collector's knife: Mbouse provides a strong visual identity, which appeals and arouses curiosity about the origin of the material.
• In combination with a steel blade: Mbouse's warm hues go well with both mirror-polished and damascus steels with complex patterns.
• For a storytelling approach: the history of the material - Aubrac dung, artisanal creation, secret recipe - is a natural selling point with end customers.
• For the intermediate or expert level: no special technique is required beyond the basics of resin. The usual tools are all you need.

Mercorne and the Mbouse: 34 years of know-how, a unique creation

Mercorne has been manufacturing and marketing the Mbouse since its creation, in its workshop in France. With 34 years of expertise in the transformation of materials for knife handles, Mercorne has developed this composite by mastering every stage: selection of the dung, preparation, association with the resin, cutting and quality control. Each plate comes with a certificate of authenticity on request, attesting to the origin and exclusivity of the material. Fast shipping (98% of orders the same day), returns accepted within 15 days, free delivery on orders over €90.

Frequently asked questions about Mbouse

Where does the cow dung used in Mbouse come from?

The cow dung used comes specifically from the Aubrac herds in Lozère. This is no trivial detail: the geographical origin and quality of the raw material are an integral part of the Mercorne recipe. Other types of dung don't give the same result.

Is Mbouse difficult to work with in the workshop?

No. Mbouse behaves like a conventional composite resin. It can be cut, machined and sanded with the usual tools. No special equipment is required. Beginners will have no particular difficulty in using it.

Is every Mbouse slab truly unique?

Yes, the organic inclusions create patterns that are impossible to reproduce identically from one slab to the next. Each piece available on mercorne.fr is individually photographed: you receive exactly the product you see.

Is it possible to obtain a certificate of authenticity for Mbouse?

Yes, Mercorne offers a certificate of authenticity on request, certifying that the material is an original Mercorne creation, manufactured according to our exclusive recipe. Please mention this when ordering, or contact Olivier directly.

Can Mbouse be used for applications other than knife handles?

Mbouse is designed and sold for fine cutlery, but its mechanical and aesthetic properties make it compatible with other similar crafts: jewelry, marquetry, small leather goods. Consult Olivier for specific applications.