Natural materials or synthetic are equally prone to specific environmental wear. Some manmade handle composites may be vulnerable to chemicals, ie DEET, various petroleum fuels, utraviolet light and simple heat. Various natural materials,ie. bone,wood and leather can dry out, rot , fracture from impact or even succumb to damage from animals seeking salt, calcium,fats etc. Natural materials can be stabilised with dressings, such as beeswax or manmade coatings such as varathane, laquers etc. Either material can be fashioned into superior tools with relatively little maintenance required. like any tool, 5 minutes of daily care eliminates 5 hours of repair.