What makes a Mount Khiri frame different?
Each Mount Khiri frame combines layered hardwood, premium acetate, a metal-reinforced core, spring hinges, polarised TAC lenses, and a protective plant-based oil finish.
This careful balance of materials is key, with each element playing a specific role in the strength, flexibility, comfort, protection and durability of the sunglasses.
Here’s a closer look at the materials and engineering that go into each frame.
Layered Hardwood
The wooden temples are one of the defining features of Mount Khiri sunglasses.
Each temple is constructed from multiple layers of hardwood, using various combinations of ebony, walnut, maple and zebrawood. The layered construction creates a distinctive blend of tones and textures, while also producing a stronger, more stable structure than a single piece of wood.
And because wood grain is naturally variable, every frame is slightly different. The subtle irregularities and imperfections remain visible in the finished product, preserving the individuality of the wood.
Metal-Reinforced Temples
A metal core runs through the full length of each arm, adding strength and rigidity to the hardwood and acetate build. It gives the arm greater resistance to bending and helps it retain its shape over time, while providing a solid anchor for the screws and hinges.
Spring Hinges
Spring hinges allow the arms to flex outward, making the sunglasses easier to put on and remove while reducing strain on the wooden temple. The internal spring absorbs some of the pressure that would otherwise be transferred to the wood, helping to reduce stress and the risk of cracking while allowing the arms to accommodate different face shapes.
The result is a more forgiving design that combines the strength and stability of the hardwood with the flexibility needed for everyday wear.
Premium Acetate
Acetate is a cellulose-based material used for its strength, flexibility and refined finish. It provides a stable foundation for the lenses, offering excellent support and impact resistance where it matters most.
These qualities make it a better choice for the main structure than an all-wood construction, while the layered hardwood remains well suited to the temples. The result combines the practical advantages of acetate with the organic appeal of natural wood.
Protective Plant-Based Oil
The hardwood used in Mount Khiri frames is treated with a protective plant-based oil that helps repel moisture and prevent water from penetrating the surface. This provides a layer of protection against rain, sweat and humidity while preserving the natural appearance of the wood. The treatment allows the grain, colour and texture to remain clearly visible.
UV400 TAC Lenses
Mount Khiri sunglasses feature polarised TAC (triacetate cellulose) lenses, a lightweight multi-layer material chosen for its optical clarity and durability. All lenses are rated Category 3, making them suitable for bright sunlight, while their UV400 rating means 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays.
They also comply with AS/NZS 1067.1:2016, the Australian and New Zealand standard for sunglasses.
Engraved Mountain Design
The final touch in the construction of each Mount Khiri frame is the mountain motif etched into the right temple. Mount Khiri's three series – Alpine, Ember and Highland – feature their own unique designs, with each one offering a different take on the mountain theme.
The Finished Frame
At the heart of the finished frame is a simple idea – championing the character of natural wood while reinforcing it with durable and resilient materials. The result is a frame built to withstand the demands of an active outdoor lifestyle.
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