Lace Inclusions: Overview and Origins

The inclusion of lace in resin is a manufacturing technique developed by Mercorne to offer cutlers an original material, blending the world of fine textiles with that of artistic cutlery. Genuine lace—cotton or synthetic, depending on the series—is embedded in cast resin, creating a solid, stable, and machinable block. The result is a hybrid material that combines two crafts: lace-making and knife-making.

Properties and Technical Characteristics

Mercorne lace inclusions exhibit the typical characteristics of resin materials:

• Lightweight: resin is naturally less dense than wood or horn, making the knife feel lighter in the hand.
• Dimensional stability: Resistant to humidity, the resin does not swell, shrink, or crack due to climate changes.
• Machinability: the material can be easily cut, filed, sanded, and polished with standard tools. It takes on a beautiful glossy finish.
• Visual appearance: the embedded lace creates a delicate pattern, visible as a translucent design or by contrast depending on the resin’s color. Each piece is unique.

The hardness is moderate—the material is not suitable for heavy-duty use or handles subjected to high mechanical stress, but it is ideal for table knives, art knives, or collectible knives.

How to choose lace inclusions for your knife?

This material is primarily intended for knife makers wishing to create a decorative knife or offer a personal and unique item. Some criteria to consider:

• Intended use: table knife, gift knife, collector’s knife—ideal. Heavy-duty knife—not recommended.
• Knife-maker’s skill level: accessible to beginners thanks to its ease of machining. Experienced knife-makers will appreciate the creative freedom that this unique piece offers.
• Blade type: works well with lightweight blades or high-grade steels. The delicate lace pattern pairs well with refined finishes—mirror or satin.
• Finish: a progressive polishing (P400 to P2000) followed by wax or varnish protects the resin and reveals the depth of the lace pattern.

Mercorne and lace inclusions: made in France, original design

Lace inclusions are an original Mercorne creation, manufactured entirely in our workshop in Puy-de-Dôme. They are not available elsewhere in this form. Our catalog offers a selection of 14 items, featuring different laces and resins, to suit the look of your projects. Each piece is inspected before shipping. Orders shipped the same day if placed before 1 p.m., free shipping on orders over €90, returns accepted within 15 days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lace Inclusions

Is the lace used real textile lace?

Yes. Mercorne uses real lace—cotton or synthetic depending on the series—and not a print or engraved pattern. The lace is physically present inside the resin, which gives it its characteristic three-dimensional appearance.

Are the lace inclusions water- and moisture-resistant?

The resin is waterproof and unaffected by moisture. It is therefore suitable for kitchen or table knife handles. However, intense thermal shock (dishwasher) can weaken the material over time—hand washing is recommended.

Can a lace inlay be drilled and riveted normally?

Yes. The resin can be machined like standard acrylic. Drilling, milling, and riveting pose no particular difficulty with the appropriate drill bits. It is advisable to work at moderate speeds to avoid local overheating.

Are all the pieces identical?

No—each lace inlay is a unique handcrafted piece. The lace pattern, density, and shades vary slightly from one block to another. It is precisely this uniqueness that gives these sleeves their character.

Are these materials available in sufficient quantities for production runs?

Mercorne offers 14 stock items. For bulk orders or specific projects, we recommend contacting Olivier directly—he can guide you toward the items best suited for your production run.