The Woods Behind the Craft – Explore the Handle Materials of Laguiole en Aubrac Corkscrews

Wenge – Depth and Sophistication

With its intense, chocolate-brown to nearly black hue, wenge is a wood of profound character. Sourced primarily from Central Africa, its straight grain and natural density make it a bold choice for those who appreciate refined understatement. The surface of wenge darkens beautifully with time and exposure, gaining a satin glow that enhances its minimalist charm. Often chosen by lovers of contemporary design, it brings both modernity and grounded warmth to a Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrew. Its weight and texture offer a firm, pleasant grip — combining aesthetics with tactile pleasure.

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Oak – The French Classic

Symbolic of French heritage and strength, oak is a material rooted in tradition. This native European wood is valued for its fine grain, neutral hue, and natural durability — the same qualities that make it essential to winemaking barrels. When used for a corkscrew handle, oak evokes quiet elegance and a sense of cultural continuity. The texture can be soft or more structured, depending on the cut, and it ages gracefully. A Laguiole corkscrew in oak appeals to those who admire authenticity and restraint — a timeless companion for those who enjoy wine with depth and intention.

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Pau Ferro – The Exotic Balance

Often referred to as Santos rosewood, pau ferro is a tropical hardwood with a striking appearance. Its palette ranges from golden browns to reddish streaks, creating a vivid, unpredictable pattern on each piece. Dense and naturally oily, pau ferro is prized for its silky finish and rich personality. Used in fine musical instruments and luxury tools, it finds a perfect place on Laguiole corkscrews where aesthetics meet endurance. For those seeking a handle that blends warmth and exotic flair without ostentation, pau ferro offers a perfect balance.

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Pistachio Wood – A Subtle Originality

Pistachio wood is rare, charming, and full of surprises. Native to southern Europe and the Middle East, it offers a soft greenish-yellow base with delicate brown streaks. Each handle has its own gentle contrast, like watercolor in wood. Lightweight yet durable, it’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate understated originality. On a Laguiole corkscrew, pistachio wood reveals itself over time, acquiring a mellow patina and a tactile smoothness. It’s the choice of curious spirits who favor detail over flash.

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Ebony – The Ultimate in Elegance

Ebony has long been a symbol of luxury. Deep black with occasional warm highlights, its grain is so tight it’s almost invisible. This African hardwood is extremely dense and polishable to a mirror finish. On a Laguiole corkscrew, ebony evokes gravity, formality, and timeless design. The heaviness in the hand feels reassuring, and its matte or gloss surface reflects its wearer’s taste for discretion and class. It is often chosen by collectors or gifted for significant milestones — a quiet show of sophistication.

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Juniper – Fragrance in the Palm of Your Hand

One of the most beloved local woods in southern France, juniper is as expressive by smell as it is by sight. Its pale cream base is flecked with fine knots and darker streaks, each one unique. But what truly sets it apart is its warm, peppery aroma — which can last for years. Choosing a juniper Laguiole corkscrew is not just an aesthetic choice, it’s sensory. Light, lively, and aromatic, it embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean in every use.

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→ Explore this classic juniper wood model

Snakewood (Amourette) – Nature’s Masterpiece

Known as snakewood in English and “amourette” in French, this rare South American wood is one of the most visually arresting. Its scaly, serpentine pattern — ranging from orange-red to deep mahogany — looks like no other. Dense, heavy, and hard to work, it demands mastery. On a Laguiole corkscrew, amourette becomes a true collector’s material, one that speaks of rarity and craftsmanship. It’s the kind of object that draws attention before it even uncorks a bottle.

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→ Explore this classic snakewood model

Boxwood – Fine and Subtle

Boxwood has long been used for fine carving and musical instruments, thanks to its uniform grain and creamy tone. On a Laguiole corkscrew, it brings a smooth, satin surface and a refined character. Its light color sets it apart from the darker woods, and its fine grain makes it perfect for engraving or symbolic gifting. Boxwood is for those who seek lightness — in color, in hand, and in spirit.

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Red Heart – Vibrant and Expressive

As its name suggests, Red Heart is bold and full of life. This Central American wood glows with natural crimson tones that deepen over time. Its vivid hue makes it a favorite for those who want their Laguiole corkscrew to stand out. Despite its color, it’s remarkably hard and smooth to the touch. A perfect option for design lovers, or as a distinctive gift that won’t go unnoticed.

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Walnut Wood – Earthy Elegance

Walnut is known for its subtle, smoky tones — from chocolate brown to dusty gray. Its satin surface and balanced weight make it a favorite of woodworkers and wine lovers alike. A Laguiole corkscrew in walnut conveys calm confidence and natural style. It suits interiors both classic and modern, and will develop a beautiful patina over time. A solid, thoughtful choice for understated elegance.

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Thuya Burl – The Mediterranean Jewel

Thuya is a rare conifer from North Africa, prized for its fragrant, swirled burl. Its pattern is unpredictable, almost fiery — with glints of orange, brown, and gold. Because it is difficult to shape and stabilize, it is reserved for luxury models. A Laguiole corkscrew in thuya is bold, opulent, and impossible to ignore. It belongs to those who view their tools as functional art.

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Bog Oak – Ancient and Mysterious

Bog oak is not a species, but a time capsule. These woods have been naturally preserved for thousands of years in wetland soil, giving them a unique dark tone and dense texture. The result is almost black, but with silvery undertones that hint at their age. Laguiole corkscrews in bog wood carry the weight of centuries and the touch of permanence. A conversation piece as much as a tool.

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Colored Cheesewood – A Modern Splash

Cheesewood is a neutral-toned base perfect for coloration. The coral orange and green pistachio variants add a playful, expressive element to the Laguiole form. These vibrant hues are paired with a satin finish that maintains the natural feel of wood. They’re ideal for gifting, and suit those who enjoy contemporary flair in timeless shapes.

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→ Explore the green pistachio model

Colored Poplar Burl – Wild, Deep, and Artistic

Stabilized poplar burl offers the most dramatic visual possibilities. The blue, burgundy, black, and red variants turn the natural chaos of burl into a canvas of controlled beauty. Each handle is infused with color while preserving the intricate, natural swirls. These are not just tools — they’re objets d’art. Ideal for collectors or anyone seeking a standout piece.

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→ Explore the black poplar burl model

→ Explore the burgundy poplar burl model

→ Explore the red poplar burl model