M.B.R "Table Rivière" style: an original Mercorne creation

M.B.R —short for Mercorne Bois Résine—is a line of exclusive materials developed and manufactured by Mercorne at our workshop in Puy-de-Dôme. The “Table Rivière” collection draws inspiration from a technique originating in high-end furniture design: the epoxy table, also known as a river table or Flusstisch in German, which combines a solid wood slab with a channel of poured epoxy resin running through its center. Adapted to the scale of a knife handle, this technique results in small-scale plates with a striking visual impact. Each piece is handcrafted, ensuring that no two handles will ever be exactly alike.

Properties and Technical Specifications

“ M.B.R ” in the “Table Rivière” style combines two materials with complementary properties: stabilized wood and pigmented epoxy resin.

Stabilized wood

The wood used is first vacuum-stabilized by impregnation with acrylic resin. This stabilization eliminates dimensional variations caused by humidity, hardens the wood’s surface, and improves its resistance to external factors. Once stabilized, the wood can be sanded, routed, and polished using the same tools as for dense natural wood, without the risk of cracking.

Epoxy Resin

The central channel is cast with pigmented epoxy resin, available in a wide range of colors—from translucent aqua to deep black, including pearlescent, metallic, or fluorescent effects. The resin can be sanded and polished to achieve complete optical transparency, revealing a depth of material that is highly prized in the finishing of handcrafted handles. The resin’s hardness makes it suitable for daily use as a knife handle.

How do you choose a “Table Rivière”-style M.B.R for your knife?

Choosing a “Table Rivière”-style M.B.R plate depends on several criteria related to your project and your desired finish:

• The width of the channel: a narrow channel provides a subtle accent; a wide channel becomes the dominant feature of the handle. Consider the desired proportion in relation to the blade.
• The color of the resin: Cool tones (blue, green, aqua) work well with stainless steel blades; warm or amber tones pair better with patinated steels or carbon damask.
• The type of wood used for the back: The grain, color, and density of the wood influence the final result. Light-colored wood highlights the resin more; dark wood creates a more pronounced contrast.
• The level of finish: The resin is sanded to 2,000-grit and buffed with a foam disc. Plan for a multi-pass finish to bring out the material’s full luster.
• The knife’s shape: For knives with long plates (such as Bowie or chef’s knives), choose a plate with a channel that runs the full length of the handle for a cohesive visual effect.

Mercorne and the “Table Rivière”-style “ M.B.R ”: a French exclusive

The “Table Rivière”-style “ M.B.R ” is an exclusive Mercorne creation, crafted in our workshop in France. This material is not available from our competitors—it is the result of 34 years of experimentation with premium materials for cutlery. Each plate is produced in a limited series: once a particular combination of colors and wood is sold out, it may not be reproduced exactly the same way. With over 66 items available in stock, the “ M.B.R ” “Table Rivière”-style catalog offers enough variety to suit all types of projects, from kitchen knives to hunting knives to collector’s items. Ships within 24 hours, returns accepted within 15 days, free shipping on orders of €90 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Table Rivière”-Style “ M.B.R ”

What exactly is a “Table Rivière”-style M.B.R?

It is a composite material manufactured by Mercorne, consisting of stabilized wood with a channel of pigmented epoxy resin running through it, inspired by the aesthetic of river tables. Each piece is unique because the channel is hand-poured.

Can this material be used for a kitchen knife?

Yes, absolutely. The epoxy resin used is food-safe once it has cured and been sanded, and the stabilized wood is resistant to moderate moisture. This material is suitable for kitchen knives intended for home use. For intensive professional restaurant use, we recommend applying a protective oil finish.

Can the resin channel crack over time?

No, under normal conditions of use. The epoxy resin is formulated to bond permanently to the stabilized wood. The wood is pre-stabilized to eliminate dimensional variations that could create stress at the wood-resin interface. Regular care with a finishing oil is sufficient to maintain the material.

Are the panels available in different thicknesses?

Yes. The “ M.B.R ” “Table Rivière”-style catalog offers several standard thicknesses suited to different types of knives, from thin handles for kitchen knives to thicker ones for hunting knives or folding knives. Consult the product sheets for the exact dimensions of each item.

How do you finish a “Table Rivière”-style M.B.R handle?

Start by sanding progressively from 120-grit to 1,500-grit, alternating the direction of the passes. Finish with a foam buffing pad using a polishing compound suitable for resins. The result is a mirror-like finish on the resin and a satin or glossy finish on the wood, depending on the wood grain selected. Avoid using orbital sanders on the resin to prevent circular micro-scratches.