Animal Skin Inlays: Overview and Origins

Animal skin inlays were born from a simple idea: to incorporate the graphic power of animal patterns into a handle material perfectly suited for artisanal cutlery. At Mercorne, these creations have been crafted in our workshop in Puy-de-Dôme since the early 2020s. A printed fabric—reproducing the patterns of zebra, leopard, snake, crocodile, or other wild animal skins—is encapsulated in high-quality resin, then polymerized, cut, and packaged into ready-to-use sheets. This is not real animal skin, but a high-definition textile print embedded in resin: the visual effect is striking, and the process is entirely controlled in-house.

Properties and technical specifications

Mercorne’s animal skin inclusions offer a technical profile that benefits the workshop.

Strength and stability

The casting resin ensures excellent resistance to moisture, oils, and common solvents. Unlike natural wood, this composite material does not swell, shrink, or crack when exposed to water. It is particularly well-suited for knives intended for use in the kitchen or outdoors.

Machinability

The material is easy to work with using standard cutlery tools: band saw, belt sander, Dremel. It sands smoothly without splintering down to fine grits (800–1200) and takes wax or varnish well for a glossy or satin finish. Its hardness is moderate [À VÉRIFIER] —sufficient to withstand impacts without being difficult to shape.

Visual appearance

The grain pattern is visible on the surface and in cross-section, allowing you to play with the direction of the cut to vary the effect. The patterns available in the Mercorne catalog cover a wide range: from understated (black-and-white zebra) to flamboyant (fawn leopard). Some models are offered with a colored resin background to enhance the contrast.

How to choose animal skin inlays for your knife?

The choice is based on two main criteria: the style of the knife in question and the desired level of finish.

• For a chef’s knife or a table knife: opt for a understated pattern (zebra, crocodile) on a neutral resin background, which will age well and complement a mirror-polished stainless steel blade.
• For a hunting knife or a pocket knife: a leopard or snake pattern on a colored background gives the piece a bold character and a strong identity.
• For beginners: the material is easy to work with and forgives minor sanding errors—an excellent introduction to working with composite materials.
• For experienced craftsmen: the material’s uniformity allows for precise work and a clean finish without surface defects.

If you’re unsure about the pattern or size best suited for your project, Olivier can advise you directly by phone or email.

Mercorne and animal skin inclusions: a workshop creation

These inclusions are exclusive to Mercorne: they are not available from other cutlery material suppliers. They are designed, manufactured, and packaged in our workshop in La Monnerie-le-Montel, which allows us to maintain consistent quality from one batch to the next and offer custom sizes upon request. The catalog features 36 active items, regularly updated with new patterns and colors. Same-day shipping for orders placed before 1 p.m., returns accepted within 15 days, free shipping on orders of €90 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Skin Inlays

Is this real animal skin?

No. It is a high-definition printed fabric encapsulated in a casting resin. The pattern mimics animal skin with a very realistic look, but the material is entirely synthetic. No animal-derived products are used in its composition.

How does this material hold up in humid conditions?

Very well. The resin is waterproof and does not react to water. Animal skin inlays are suitable for kitchen knives or outdoor knives exposed to moisture. Maintenance with a neutral wax is sufficient to preserve the shine.

Can it be worked by hand, or are machines required?

Both are possible. For machine work, a band saw and belt sander are the most suitable tools. By hand, a file and sandpaper are sufficient for fine adjustments. The material poses no particular hazards during machining—no splinters, no irritating fibers.

Are the designs available in custom sizes?

Yes, upon request. Contact us directly for specific cuts or large quantities. Olivier reviews each request personally and responds within 24 to 48 business hours.

Are these inlays compatible with all types of blades?

Yes. The material is chemically neutral and does not react with steel, titanium, or the alloys used in cutlery. Assembly is done using the same epoxy adhesives as for other composite materials—no specific adaptations are necessary.