Asked on Jan 23, 2018

Recommendations for food grade resin or epoxy?

Rhonda S
by Rhonda S
I have a lovely flat bladed spoon given as a door prize for a local co-op meeting back sometime before 1970's. My aunt and mother both had one. and after they passed, I got one of them. It is the handiest spoon ever, but my son's pup got it out of the open dish washer and chewed the handle. The handle is riveted on. I'm not going to "repurpose" it because I use it almost every day, even with the damaged handle. How can I repair or replace the handle? One idea was to cast a new handle from resin or epoxy, but I'm worried about it being food safe. I do not have the skill to carve a new wood handle, nor would I have a way to detach the rivets that held the original handle. When I figure out what to use as a new handle, I'll be back to ask more questions, I'm sure! All advice is welcome.
  11 answers
  • Gracie Gracie on Jan 24, 2018

    I would contact these folks. They are very nice and knowledgeable. https://www.alumilite.com

  • Itsmemic Itsmemic on Jan 24, 2018

    oh...that's sad :(

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jan 24, 2018

    I have a lot of wood handled knives and on occasion the handles have been chewed on (I have no idea how they didn't get cut by the blades!). If I can I at least sand the wood so that it doesn't splinter or cause splinters and I just keep using it, like you do. It always seems to happen to my favorites that aren't replaceable.

    • See 2 previous
    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 25, 2018

      *LOL*


  • Stephanie Stephanie on Jan 24, 2018

    You should be able to rebuild the handle with stainable wood putty, if you bond it one layer at a time. Then dip in a good varnish and you're good to go. I personally wouldn't worry about it being food-safe since you're not using that end directly on food.

    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 25, 2018

      I should be able to do that. I'd probably want to change to hand washing it, which would protect it from the pup, of course. Thanks. I'll give that some thought.

  • Was28625906 Was28625906 on Jan 24, 2018

    A woodworker can simply make a new wooden handle for it.

    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 25, 2018

      agreed, and I may eventually decide to hire it done, but I'd love to give it the personal attention a DIY project would entail. However, a good DIYer knows when to turn it over to a pro. Thanks for the feedback.

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Jan 25, 2018

    many epoxy/resins are food safe when DRY/CURED; and you're not going to be stirring, serving, etc. the food with the HANDLE anyway ...

    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 25, 2018

      That is good to know ! And I am picturing myself stiring things with the handle now! *LOL*

  • Stephanie Stephanie on Jan 25, 2018

    I actually re-varnish my favorite knife handle every few years so it doesn't become damaged by being water-logged. Have had it 42 years and counting! Good luck with it.

    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 25, 2018

      I have used food grade mineral oil, but had not for a while. Thanks for the feed-back.

  • Was28625906 Was28625906 on Jan 25, 2018

    Yes, but I would attempt it by purchasing knife scales, epoxy, and I would have to research how to install the metal pins. The rest would be trimming, sanding, and finishing. It looks like you could make a pattern from the good side.

    • See 1 previous
    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 25, 2018

      I just googled knife scales. What an amazing find! THANKS! What if I drill holes to fit the existing rivets through, and fill with epoxy? Do you think that would hold? A whole craft out there that I've never heard of! What a wonder each day is!

  • Patricia Kinberg Patricia Kinberg on Jan 25, 2018

    I have several of these same utensils. I got mine in the early 60's when my MIL passed and no one else in the family wanted them. Lucky me. I use them daily. I do however NEVER put in the dishwasher and use food grade mineral oil on them about every 6 months and they still look perfect today. I love them and hope to pass them on someday as well. I hope you are able to fix yours. I will be looking up the knife scales as well. Hope it works for you. I've often wondered what I would do if one of mine fell apart.

    • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 26, 2018

      The maker's mark on mine says "Bartlet's Stainless Steel" and "Japan." I took it for granted until the pup got it. I hope to do better! We are lucky to have gotten those "no body wants" spoons. Thanks for the advice. If I get it repaired as a DIY, I will post. Thanks!

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jan 26, 2018

    I have found an epoxy putty solution that states it is food safe.


    I use another manufacturers epoxy putty all the time it’s truly remarkable all the things you can repair. Try patching the missing area with mixed epoxy putty stick, sand if needed and paint.

    Every DIY and craftsperson should have one. It does so much more than plumbing.

    Ive repaired candlesticks, jewelry, elliptical foot, steering wheel, pottery, ceramics, concrete dog, wood rot and firewire cable damage with the putty and so much more!


    Please have a look at these links and good luck restoring your favorite kitchen utensil. Please give the puppy a pet and cookie for me!


    https://jbweld.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/203717405-Is-JB-Weld-heat-resistant-and-food-safe-


    https://www.jbweld.com/collections/metal/products/highheat-epoxy-putty



  • Rhonda S Rhonda S on Jan 26, 2018

    I never thought of JB Weld! I've used it for other tasks, but never even though of using it here. This looks very promishing! The pup gets a busuit every morning at 7. We will let him know you sent tomorrow's.