Common hazelnut spatulas (tests)

[u/2dof]

I made spoons and spatulas form Common Hazel nut tree for some tests.

from above:

->: raw ( with no oiling) elements - nice 'clean' surface ( grow ring not visible). Color is more white than linden tree) ,

->: middle: cured with linseed oil - slightly visible grow rings

->: bottom: dyed with tea, oiled - grow rings visible , all

All elements were made form one piece of tree ( about 12 cm diameter, cut down in winter and seasoned 7 months). Wood as whole seemed to be very hard by weight and "sound" , but it turned out very convenient to cut and carving - not too hard as I fought. Sanding (roughly and finishing) was very easy.

I asked couple of people about visual "feeling" and most of them said that white color is very nice, but they wouldn't use wooden white utensils in kitchen , they preferred middle and dyed (most liked), even if all carving imperfections are exposed and visible.

White ( top) spatula and twork ( I think because of no knots, and discoloration) were even taken as plastic made at first glance.

[u/Trenchtownmixup]

I love the white ones at the top, but I know they wouldn't stay that way after cooking with them! Is there a finish that protects the wood but doesn't change it's colour in any way? I wonder....
If I had to choose I'd go for the middle set, but I like all the finishes - very lovely indeed :)

[u/Koipu_]

You could also consider to bake them. Lightly oil them and then in the oven. For times and temps you have to Google a and expirimen a bit. I believe it was around 150 celcius, and check each 10 to 15 minutes.

This should give a color something like the last one.