Walnut Collection

In the pantheon of fine woods, Walnut is the reliable aristocrat. It is arguably the most traditional dark wood used in Western craftsmanship, projecting an air of quiet confidence and maturity. If you want a handle that looks as good on a Sunday dinner table as it does in a hunter's pack, Walnut is the perfect candidate.

Visually, Walnut is celebrated for its rich, chocolate-brown hues that can range from a light espresso to a deep, purplish black. It often features a straight, dignified grain, though it can occasionally surprise with waves or curls that catch the light. It is a wood that ages gracefully. Rather than looking worn, it develops a lustrous patina over time that makes it feel softer and warmer the longer you own it.

Where can it be found? While species of Walnut grow across North America and Asia, the variety most prized for fine cutlery is often European Walnut. It is widely grown across France—particularly in regions like Grenoble and Périgord, where the trees are as famous for their delicious nuts as they are for their timber.

Where else is it used? Walnut is the undisputed king of gunstocks. For centuries, it has been the primary material for rifles and shotguns not just because it is beautiful, but because it is incredibly shock-resistant. It absorbs the recoil of a firearm without cracking, a trait that translates perfectly to a knife handle that needs to withstand daily use. You will also find it in the interiors of classic luxury cars and in high-end office furniture.

Did you know? The scientific name for the Walnut tree, Juglans, is actually a contraction of the Latin phrase Jovis glans, which translates to "Jupiter's Nut" or "The Nut of the Gods." The Romans believed this tree was so magnificent that its fruit was worthy of their highest deity. Additionally, Walnut trees are fiercely territorial, their roots release a natural chemical called juglone into the soil that prevents other plants from growing too close, ensuring the tree stands in majestic isolation.