Stabiliser

Wood stabilisation: what is it?

Wood stabilisation is a process in which a synthetic resin is impregnated into wood fibres under vacuum and pressure, then polymerised with heat. The treated wood no longer swells, shrinks or cracks due to humidity or temperature changes. Its mechanical properties are substantially improved, and its aesthetic qualities — figuring, grain, natural colours — are revealed and enhanced. For a handmade knife, a stabilised handle combines the visual warmth of natural wood with the durability of a technical material.

A process mastered at the Mercorne workshop

After years of research, Mercorne developed its own stabilisation method, refined at La Monnerie-le-Montel since 1992. The process is carried out entirely in-house, allowing full control over every step and consistent, reliable results.

Mercorne's stabilisation service covers:

• Stabilisation of your own wood, sent by post with the order form included in the parcel
• Custom stabilisation from Mercorne's stock, based on your preferences (species, dimensions, colouring)
• Over 30 available colours, from natural to deep-tinted finishes
• Over 1,000 processes combining stabilisation and inclusion techniques
• Treatment of delicate, highly porous species that would otherwise be unsuitable for knife handles

Pieces must not exceed the following dimensions: L 440 mm × W 50 mm × H 50 mm. For oversized pieces, please contact us for a feasibility assessment.

Why have your wood stabilised by Mercorne?

• In-house process: no subcontracting, full control from start to finish
• Material expertise: 34 years of daily work on noble materials means each species is treated with the right approach
• Visual results: stabilisation reveals the wood — mirror polish, depth of grain, natural or added colour intensity
• Flexibility: service on your own wood or from our stock, over 30 colours and 1,000+ processes available
• Direct contact: Olivier answers all technical questions personally, before and after the order

Mercorne and wood stabilisation: 34 years of expertise

Founded in 1992 in La Monnerie-le-Montel, Puy-de-Dôme, Mercorne is today the largest European catalogue of knife handle materials. Wood stabilisation has been central to the business from the very beginning — both as a service offered to knifemakers and as the production method behind much of the stabilised wood stock available for sale.

The average processing time is 8 weeks from receipt of your pieces — the drying time before and after impregnation is essential to guarantee quality results. Billing takes place after stabilisation, based on weight after impregnation:

• 1 to 4.99 kg: €70.00 incl. VAT/kg (natural) — €95.00 incl. VAT/kg (colour)
• 5 to 9.99 kg: €60.00 incl. VAT/kg (natural) — €85.00 incl. VAT/kg (colour)
• Over 10 kg: €50.00 incl. VAT/kg (natural) — €75.00 incl. VAT/kg (colour)
• Per-piece fee: €1.20 incl. VAT per stabilised piece (in addition to the weight-based rate)

Outbound shipping costs are your responsibility. To place an order: download the form below, fill it in and include it in your parcel. You can also contact us directly: contact@mercorne.fr — +33 4 73 94 84 47.

Frequently asked questions about wood stabilisation

How long does the stabilisation process take?

Allow an average of 8 weeks from receipt of your pieces. This lead time reflects the drying time required before and after impregnation — a step that cannot be rushed without compromising quality. For orders from our existing stabilised stock, shipment is processed the following day.

How does the send-in service work?

Download the order form on this page, fill it in and include it in your parcel. Send your pieces to our workshop. Outbound shipping costs are your responsibility. Once the pieces are stabilised, we send you the invoice; after payment, we ship your pieces back to you.

What colours are available?

Mercorne offers over 30 different colours, integrated into the resin before impregnation. The colour penetrates deep into the wood — it is not a surface treatment. Specify your preference on the form or contact Olivier to choose from the available tints.

What are the maximum dimensions for pieces to be stabilised?

Pieces must not exceed L 440 mm × W 50 mm × H 50 mm. For oversized pieces, contact us before sending: a feasibility assessment and specific pricing will be provided.

Should the wood be prepared before sending?

No surface treatment should be applied before sending — no polishing, varnish or oil. These treatments can prevent the resin from penetrating the fibres. Send the wood raw, dry and untreated.