What is Pakkawood? Why it is used for Knife Handles 2022

What is Pakkawood?

Pakkawood is the brand name for a type of composite wood that consists of many layers of paper-like veneer with various types of wood grains which are bonded together under heat and pressure with thermosetting resins. It has all the look, feel, density, and weight of real wood but it’s free from almost all defects. It’s the world’s most popular manmade material for manufacturing furniture, cabinets, wall paneling, and moldings.

Pakkawood Usage

Pakkawood is almost always used in applications where the look of wood matters most. This is because it simulates most woods very accurately. Some of its most common uses are: desks, tabletops, kitchen cabinets, doors, wall paneling, moldings, and even musical instruments. While it can be glued with wood glue, pakkawood is typically used in non-structural applications where screws or nails are more appropriate.

Pakkawood Quality

Pakkawood’s other defining quality is that it’s fireproof. It has two to three times the fire rating of real wood. It can’t burn, and it doesn’t produce any toxic fumes if burned. It actually resists fire better than steel!

Most pakkawood used today is made from some combination of bamboo, walnut, basswood, and poplar veneer.

Pakkawood History

Pakkawood was first developed in the 1950s by the TAPPI “Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry.” It was originally used in custom-made cigarette lighters. After some time, it became clear that pakkawood had several characteristics which made it equally useful for things like furniture.

Pakkawood is a high-quality type of plastic, or “faux wood” (not real wood). It’s most commonly used for knife handles because it is water and heat-resistant.

Pakkawood Knife Handles

Pakka wood has been used to make knife handles since the 1960s. It was first designed as an alternative to animal bone and ivory, which were common materials in knife handles at the time. Pakka wood allowed for a more sturdy handle, and it came in a wider variety of colors, making it an attractive option to hunters and outdoorsmen.

Today, pakkawood is used among many styles of knives, from folding pocket knives to big hunting knives. Many people also use pakkawood for making knife scales.

Pakkawood Material

The material is frequently used because it can be worked into many different styles. It’s very durable, and because wood grain naturally exists in the product, no two pakka handles are ever alike.

Pakka wood has to be sealed with a substance like a linseed oil or epoxy before it can be used.

How Pakkawood is made up?

Pakka wood is commonly made from a few sources, including teak or mahogany tree roots. It’s also created using sawdust and resin that are shaped into sheets, then bonded under high heat and pressure. Afterward, the material is sanded by hand to give it smooth edges.

How to use Pakkawood Handle Knives?

Users should apply a coat of mineral oil when they first get their Pakkawood knife handle. They need to do this every couple of months to keep the Pakkawood in good shape.

Conclusion

Pakka wood is an excellent choice for chefs, hunters, fishermen, or any other outdoor enthusiasts who want a sturdy knife that’s easy on the eyes and will stand up to the elements.