Comment by Dumblydorr
Comment by Dumblydorr 2 days ago
Incredible analysis, great blog post! What’s wrong with using raw wood? Will that go bad quickly?
Comment by Dumblydorr 2 days ago
Incredible analysis, great blog post! What’s wrong with using raw wood? Will that go bad quickly?
When the wood fibers get wet they swell and become soft. When soft, the surface will be very sensitive to damage. Fibers on the surface will raise and then not return to their original position, causing surface roughness. Repeated cycles of wet/dry will cause cracks.
From experience, even the cheapest wood spoons won't bulge, as long as you don't leave them immerged in water for a long time.
I don't have a problem. if they get a little funky I just sand them down. and let them soak in food-grade mineral oil for a while. same with cutting boards and butcher block tables.
If you use the appropriate wood, you can wet and sand many times to get a smooth finish. You can burnish it (rub with hard metal) to close the surface well. But it will still stain and absorb smells, just to a lessor extent. You'll notice if you use the same spoon for coffee and tea, or the same spoon for curry and miso soup.