Discover our Ancient Bog Oak pen blanks from Ukraine – a truly rare and historic material. These blanks are cut from oak that is more than 5,400 years old (3,400 BCE). When these trees lived, the wheel was a brand new invention and the pyramids of Egypt hadn't even been built yet! Each blank includes a certificate that verifies that the carbon dating has been independently verified by Université Laval in Quebec.
What are the dimensions of these blanks?
Each blank measures approximately 3/4" square by 5" long (perfect for most pen kits) and carries unmatched history, beauty, and character.
Why does the carbon dating certificate do?
When you buy one of these blanks, you can be assured that they truly are as old as we say they are. That's because we had the carbon dating independently verified by experts at Université Laval in Quebec - and the certificate lets you share that authenticity with your customers.
How should I finish these blanks?
Any penturning finish, like a friction polish or lacquer, will work well on these blanks. We recommend staying away from cyanoacrylate (CA) finish as oak is a very open grained wood and the CA finish has a tendency to turn white as it settles into the open grain.
What makes Bog Oak so unique?
Ancient origin: Preserved underground or under riverbeds for thousands of years, in oxygen-free conditions 3–7 metres deep.
Distinctive colour and hardness: Over centuries, tannins in the oak react with iron salts in the soil, producing rich dark tones and a hardened, durable structure.
Rare and collectible: Each blank tells a story spanning millennia, making your handcrafted pens true conversation pieces.
Whether you’re a professional turner or a hobbyist, these blanks offer smooth cutting and finishing properties, deep, lustrous tones that polish beautifully and have a unique selling feature for handcrafted pens. Create a pen that is not just functional, but a piece of history you can hold in your hand.
Price is per blank in Canadian dollars.