5000 Year Old Wood.

Bog Oak is a traditional handle material from which to make Sgian Dubh handles. But what is bog oak?

Bog oak forms when oak trees fall into bogs or similar waterlogged environments and become submerged for thousands of years.  The prolonged burial in low-oxygen, acidic conditions prevents typical decay.

The acidic conditions of the bog, combined with the presence of iron and other minerals, cause a chemical reaction with the tannins in the wood. This reaction gradually changes the wood's colour from its original golden-brown to a deep black or dark brown. 

The wood undergoes a process of partial fossilisation, becoming harder and denser than fresh oak. 

Bog oak often contains natural cracks, surface checks, and variations in texture and density due to its unique formation process. These imperfections are often considered part of its charm and are embraced in the final product. 

Bog oak is highly valued for its unique appearance and historical significance, and is used in a variety of applications, including bespoke furniture, wood carvings and sculptures, jewellery and of course knife handles.