Burl Wood

Burl Wood comes from knotted growths (burls) on trees that create dramatic, swirling grain with “eyes” and irregular figure. Each piece is unique and highly decorative, prized for striking visual patterns.

For beginners, burl can be challenging because its grain runs in many directions. That unpredictability can cause tear-out if you push too hard or cut against the local grain. The payoff, though, is exceptional beauty—small boxes, inlays, panels, or display pieces look luxurious thanks to the complex figure.

BeaverCraft recommends tackling burl in small projects first and keeping blades extremely sharp. Use light slicing cuts, skew your knife, and take frequent passes rather than removing large chips at once. Sanding and careful finishing (oil or wax) will make the figure pop.

With sharp BeaverCraft knives and a steady stropping routine, even a beginner can turn a small burl blank into a showcase piece that highlights the wood’s natural artistry.