Sustainably produced ATLAS handles
This week we received our first shipment of beautiful Dutch ash wood. Kooijmans will use this to make top-quality sustainably produced ATLAS handles in the coming period.
Dutch ash wood for sustainable handles
In a large Dutch forest, the groundwater level had become too high for ash trees. Unfortunately, they had to be felled because otherwise they would die.
Fortunately, these trees found their way to us for a great new purpose in ATLAS handles.
Curious to see what we make from this?
Then view all ATLAS handles
Sustainably produced ATLAS handles
At Kooijmans Quality Tools, sustainable business practices are central. We operate energy-neutral, use FSC-certified wood, and heat our workshop with leftover wood from production.
Read more about sustainability at Kooijmans
How is an ATLAS handle made?
ATLAS handles are made from ash butt logs, which contain the best wood. Ash wood is tough, shock-absorbing, and strong.
Drying
The ash wood undergoes 2 drying processes: during the first drying process, sawn ash wood planks are air-dried. During the second process, the ash wood is computer-controlled re-dried in a climate chamber. Re-drying prevents the handle from shrinking, keeps the tool firmly attached to the handle, and allows the through-mount T-grip to be pressed onto the handle without glue or staples.
Bending
Bent handles such as a shovel handle or shovel handle are bent in boiling water. This allows the wood grain in the handle to bend along with it and prevents the grain from running out of the handle. Grain runout is weaker, after all. The bending process makes the handle extremely strong.
Waxing
Once the handle has been milled and smoothly sanded, the ATLAS handle is waxed with plant-based Carnauba wax. This ensures that the wood can breathe, does not absorb water or dirt, and retains its beautiful natural color. Waxing provides a longer service life and a pleasantly smooth handle, helping to prevent blisters. Moreover, waxing handles with plant-based wax is better for the environment than using varnish or paraffin.