Born in Montreal, Ron Bazar has had varied careers as entrepreneur, business consultant, writer and publisher of children’s books. He first came to Cortes in 1984 and moved there full time in 1998. He has been a hobby wood turner on and off since he was 12.

Ron salvages his wood from forest fall-downs and dead branches and trees. Each handcrafted piece is totally unique following the natural shape of the wood. The pieces are polished to an exquisitely smooth finish to honor the beauty of the wood.

Arbutus is unique among West Coast North American hardwood species for its many superior qualities. It has rich varied grain, tones and excellent finishing characteristics.

How To Care for Your Wooden Cooking Utensils

You can wash your wood items in warm soapy water and then rinse and dry. Do not put in a dishwasher as the heat will damage the wood.

Your wood utensils need a food safe wood finish to protect and enhance the wood. A food safe finish will wear off as you use your item but will be safe for you. Walnut oil is the perfect food safe wood finish. It is a completely natural oil and a drying oil.

The walnut oil is absorbed into the wood and when dry is not sticky. The other advantage of walnut oil is that it has virtually no smell. It enriches the wood with every application. It creates a non-toxic finish that resists water and alcohol. It also has a a very slight fresh sweet smell. And it will not give any aftertaste to food.

Walnut oil wood finish can be applied with a brush, cloth or steel wool, or, with your fingers.

Try to rub oil into the wood often. Frequently is way better than not enough.