At first glance, cork might seem like an unusual material for a tool handle. But once you’ve held a Melbourne Tool Company spokeshave or cabinet scraper with a cork handle, you’ll understand why we chose it. Light, grippy, and warm in the hand, cork has been used for centuries across a surprising range of applications — from wine bottles to spacecraft. Today, it’s helping craftspeople stay comfortable and in control at the bench.
A Natural Wonder
Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), which grows predominantly in Portugal and parts of Spain and North Africa. What makes cork special is that it can be harvested without cutting down the tree — the bark regenerates, allowing for repeated harvests roughly every 9–12 years. Some trees can live for over 200 years and be harvested more than 15 times in their lifetime.
Cork forests (known as montados) are also rich ecosystems that support biodiversity, including endangered species like the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle. Because cork production discourages deforestation and desertification, it's considered a model for sustainable agriculture.
In the Hand: Cork as a Handle Material
Whilst Melbourne Tool Company may be unique in using cork in woodworking tools, it has a proven track record in many other handle applications: you’ll find cork in fishing rod handles, bicycle handlebars and walking pole grips.
Because cork just works. It’s naturally water-resistant, doesn’t absorb sweat, and maintains grip even when damp. It’s also slightly compressible, meaning it conforms to the hand without feeling spongy or unstable. Over time, it warms slightly with use, giving it a tactile appeal that many synthetic grips can’t match.
It also has one other advantage – it’s very light. In our spokeshaves and cabinet scrapers, we’ve chosen to use cork inlays primarily to reduce weight. Traditional tools have a much thinner handle profile cast in metal which can be uncomfortable, or use turned timber handles which offer less control on a tool like a spokeshave. Our solution allows for a full, ergonomic handle shape without excessive weight.
Will it Last?
Because the cork inlay is fully surrounded by the casting, it is well protected from knocks and should last a lifetime. It will discolour with grime from your hands – to reduce this you might like to coat the cork in paste wax or even shellac before use. If for some reason the cork is damaged replacement inlays are available, but we haven’t had to send one out yet...
Final Thoughts
Cork isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a serious performer with deep roots and a bright future. Its unique combination of sustainability, function, and feel make it perfectly suited to the kind of tools we’re proud to make: practical, honest, and a pleasure to use.
So the next time you pick up a tool with a cork handle, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of knowledge, care, and environmental wisdom packed into that humble, textured surface.