Bringing out the figure in a burl handle
Burl owes its swirling figure to grain that twists in every direction, which also means it can dry out and lose depth if neglected. A few habits keep the 6 cm handle looking its best:
- Rub a drop of food-safe oil or a little beeswax into the wood every couple of months, then buff off the excess.
- Avoid leaving it in a hot car, where rapid drying can open fine cracks in figured wood.
- Wipe fingerprints off the brass bolster, since skin oils speed up tarnish.
- Dry the 4.6 cm blade after any wet job before closing it.
Cared for this way, burl grows richer with age, one reason burl-handled keychains made in Pakistan appeal to collectors.
