finish for handles

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Dave, I order from them a lot mainly wood for turning and getting the beeswax from their is convenient if i'm ordering wood anways because the shipping goes by weight so if I order jsut the beeswax your paying a lot for shipping but when I get a chunk along with a bunch of wood at once it is the same price for shipping.

I have been very happy with their services and the one time they messed up an order it was quickly fixed.
Carl

[rick-in-seattle]

Bob,
For a knife that will be used in your carving area only; Beeswax combined with walnut oil works pretty good. It's a good finish for eating utensils, bowls; spoons, etc., suprisingly it works well on utility handles. You should try it first on a piece of scrap from making the handle.

(Why walnut oil? It doesn't turn rancid like some oils.)

If you want a hard; water-proof; clear; and durable finish, you might try what I use. You don't necessarly need to work as hard applying it as I do, some knife-makers simply dip the handle into a can of liquid Spar Urethane.

Dipping gives nearly the same result as spraying six or more coats, sanding between coats with the appropriate abrasive, placing the knife into a dust-free container while drying, and a few more steps mixed in.

[Robert Cahill]

Thanks for the response I will try different finishes on scrap handles first. They will be used only at home an by myself.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

You might try sending Patrick a pm, aka Irishman he has a knife I made that has the beeswax finish on it.
Carl