Which is more traditional: the Medlar or Chestnut Makila?<\/b><\/p>\n
Medlar wood<\/b> is the indisputable origin and purest representation of the craft in Iparralde (the Northern French Basque Country). However, historically, wild medlar was a scarce resource and difficult to find in the forests of the South. For this reason, in Hegoalde (the Southern Spanish Basque Country), local artisans adopted chestnut wood to keep this living tradition alive.<\/p>\n
To craft chestnut Makilas, those artisans applied the exact same ancestral technique on the living tree, but obtained a completely different finish due to the natural properties of the wood itself. Faithful to this legacy, my father decided to introduce Makila making<\/b> in chestnut wood as an explicit tribute to all those master artisans who preserved the craft across our mountains.<\/p>\n
What is the difference between Medlar and Chestnut on the living tree?<\/b><\/p>\n
Although the artisan work begins in the forest on both living species, the final result when buying a Makila<\/b> changes radically due to the botany of each wood:<\/p>\n The Medlar Reaction (unique in the world):<\/b> When making incisions on the living medlar tree, its natural healing process creates bulges and raised markings that push outwards\u2014a distinctive texture that cannot be replicated by any other wood on earth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Chestnut Reaction:<\/b> When applying the same incisions to a living chestnut tree, the wood reacts like all other trees in the world: healing inwards. Once the stick is harvested, cured, and peeled, the cuts remain engraved as elegant, subtle indents carved into the wood, offering a warm and refined finish.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Medlar and chestnut wood<\/p><\/div>\n Key points to help you decide<\/b><\/p>\n Choose the Medlar Makila if:<\/b> You are seeking the utmost tradition, the most iconic model, and the fascinating exclusivity of a wood whose outward-growing relief is unique in the world.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Choose the Chestnut Makila if:<\/b> You wish to pay tribute to the artisan history of the Southern Basque territory and prefer the elegance of inward-carved patterns combined with the natural warmth of chestnut.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Both options represent absolute respect for our roots, the highest standards in metal craftsmanship (brass or nickel silver), and the dedication we pour into every piece at Alberdi Makila<\/b>.<\/p>\n We hope learning about the botanical value and rich history of our woods helps you choose the piece that resonates most with you or the person receiving it.<\/p>\n\n
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