What is pakkawood featured image

What is Pakkawood? Does It Make A Great Knife Handle?[2022 Updated]

What is Pakkawood? Does It Make A Great Knife Handle? [2022 Updated]

Pakkawood is also known as dymondwood, stamina wood, and color wood.

If you are someone who enjoys cooking and buying utensils, then you’ve probably heard about Pakkawood. Most people assume Pakkawood is derived from the Pakka tree.

However, that’s not the case. Suppose you would like to know all about this mysterious ‘wood.’ Stick around for a comprehensive elaboration on what is Pakkawood.

What is pakkawood

So, What is Pakkawood?

Pakkawood is also known as dymondwood, stamina wood, and color wood.

It’s a plastic composite material/engineered wood typically used to make knife handles of the best Japanese knives for chefs and home cooks.

It’s relevant to know that it is not real wood; it’s synthetic wood.

However, many people love this human-made wooden material because it’s denser and durable than natural wood. Also, it’s available in multiple colors.

Pakkawood is an engineered wood/plastic composite material that is usually colored and mostly used in making knife handles.

Besides, knives with Pakkawood handles are well-loved since they are made of durable material and last longer than other knife handles.

Composition

As we mentioned earlier, Pakka Wood is a synthetic wood/engineered wood/resin composite.

Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain wood. Pakkawood consists of hardwood veneer, which makes it look like natural wood grain.

Next, this high-quality wood is filled with a Phenolic Thermoset Resin. Most of the time, this wood product is dyed with colored resin; this happens through a vacuum process.

On the other hand, the phenolic resin is infused through a high-pressure environment. By this superior material bonding process, the pieces of high-quality hardwood veneers are stuffed and stored.

The result is plywood blocks infused with plastic resin and 29 wood pieces per inch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc5TWtctK3c

Appearance

As we thoroughly explain what is Pakkawood, we also have to elaborate on its appearance.

This way, as you go shopping, you can easily identify the knife handles with Pakkawood material.

We previously indicated that it looks like natural wood and feel like finished wood; however, it’s synthetic wood.

Well, the fact that the finished product looks like natural wood is not surprising, mostly because it’s composite wood applied with resin and plastic.

Regardless, there are some differences between real wood and Pakkawood. For instance, it’s available in a wide variety of multiple colors, as well as bright hues.

You can identify it because its appearance is similar to exotic woods such as oak, walnut trees, zebrawood, and chestnut. Furthermore, you’ll notice that Pakkawood comes in various patterns.

If you like bright colors, you’ll be happy to know that Pakkawood, a close resemblance to conventional wood, also comes in bright hues such as Fuchsia color.

Also, the production process of this Phenolic Impregnated Wood gives its a glossy finish naturally.

Properties

Because of high durability, Pakkawood is often used in making handles of various kitchen utensils.

If your knives are made of this durable material, you can be sure you’ll use them for years and years.

First, it has dense construction that ensures it’s not prone to splitting and warping like genuine wood.

Besides, Pakkawood is waterproof, making it great for kitchen use. But make sure you never soak it in water (specifically soapy water) for an extended period of time.

Uses

Pakkawood has numerous uses. Among them, the most common use of this ideal material is in making knife handles.

Using this Phenolic Impregnated Wood in handles, kitchen knives dive into the pool of high quality.

This dyed wood/resin composite is used primarily in knives because it’s waterproof and highly durable.

It won’t warp, crack, stain, and split irrespective of the years you’ve been using it, unlike wood.

When in the kitchen, all the utensils have to go through water; the best part of using Pakkawood is that you may pass it through water, but it won’t fade off.

On to the next point, you’ll find this popular material in military knives or tactical knives. The military also recognizes its good quality.

Therefore you’ll find this composite material used in military equipment.

Who said kitchen knives are the only utensils that are made of Pakkawood? On the contrary, some cooking spoons and spatulas are made of this synthetic wood.

As we mentioned earlier, Pakkawood is a better choice for cutlery handles since it doesn’t split, crack, or warp. 

Also, this resin-infused wood is an excellent alternative to steel because steel will scratch your pans (specifically pans with non-stick coating), but Pakkawood is a more gentle material.

Furthermore, if you’re into the pool game, you should know that Pakkawood is popularly used in pool cues.

If you are looking for pool cues that will last long, you need to look into pool cues made of Pakkawood.

This material is also used in making photo frames, ornaments, musical instruments, and archery stock.

Knife with pakkawood handle

Is pakkawood worth it?

Well, perhaps you’ve gone from “What is Pakkawood?” to “Is Pakkawood worth it?” Please don’t fret; we’ve got you covered. Pakkawood is a common material.

Besides, it has contributed so much to improving household items. If you’re still unsure whether this material is worth it, below we’ve listed various advantages of this phenomenal composite material.

Advantages

Pakkawood is highly waterproof. This is because it’s not real wood. It’s composite wood.

The fact that it’s waterproof enables this material to last longer, making it suitable for kitchen use.

Pakkawood isn’t prone to warping, cracking, and splitting compared to real wood. It is long- lasting and durable.

If you purchase household items made of Pakkawood, you can be sure you’ll use them for years and years.

Lastly, the appearance of Pakkawood is naturally glossy, unlike real wood, you won’t have to spend money on spray-on products just to make your cutlery look shiny.

If you care about your household appliances’ appearance, you’ll enjoy using items made of Pakkawood.

Disadvantages

As much as Pakkawood has several advantages, it has disadvantages as well.

Once you realize that Pakkawood’s hardness is due to the plastic and wood’s compactness, you’ll know that cutting Pakkawood into smaller pieces will change its level of hardness.

Also, plastic material falls in the petroleum product category. Though it’s not natural wood, it contains wood to retaliate to dishwashers and high heat.

Pakkawood Care

Pakkawood type handle material in kitchen knives or spatulas needs extra care. Being proactive is a good practice in taking care of this stabilized wood. 

Buffing with Birchwood Casey Tru Oil/Watco or Minwax brands teak oil/tung oil/mineral oil is an excellent way to take care of Pakkawood utensils. But ensure that the tung oil is pure.

I usually apply a little tung oil on the Pakka handle then left it to dry completely before buffing with a soft cloth.

Utensils made with Pakkawood are also not dishwasher-safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X0Pktzl4ag

Final Words

We hope that we answered and comprehensively elaborated on the question “What is Pakkawood?”

That way, you can identify the composite material, and you can feel at ease whenever you purchase household items made of this incredible material.

Please Share To Inspire US

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest

You May Also Like…