FAQ: What's 'spalted' wood?

14th Jul 2015

Spalted Wood Knives

Spalting, which most often happens in dead trees, is caused by fungi. It affects the color of the wood, producing unique shades and intricate patterns.

Pale hardwoods -- such as maple, birch, beech and sycamore -- are most likely to spalt. Burls can spalt as well.

Spalted wood makes for attractive knife handles, of course. It must be stabilized before shaping.