Anyone oil or finish their handles?

[zephy5]

On many of my Busse knives I find that applying some mineral or other oil to the handles really finishes them off nicely. Has anyone "finished" their RAT Micarta handles and if so, did you like how they came out?

I'm thinking about trying some tung oil followed by some treewax on one of my RC-4's and was wondering if anyone has tried this.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I put some silicone grease under the handle scales after stripping my RC-3 just as a protectant. It darkened the handle scales nicely, and after periodic checks I've had no corrosion under the scales, even after getting them soaked.

 

[Rotte]

No.

I like Micarta a little rough. When it gets wet it becomes "grippier". I think oil might detract from that. And oil wouldn't do anything as far as durability. I once sanded a micarta handled knife to a smooth finish--have regretted doing so ever since.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I like the level of grip of the RAT micarta, but the thing could be done in polished glass and you could still have a good hold of it. Texture is always secondary to ergonomics.

 

[zephy5]

No.

I like Micarta a little rough. When it gets wet it becomes "grippier". I think oil might detract from that. And oil wouldn't do anything as far as durability. I once sanded a micarta handled knife to a smooth finish--have regretted doing so ever since.

On the handles I have down, the oil didn't seem to make much difference in grippiness but did darken the handle color.

 

[koyote]

I find that a curing oil can be a good thing- I do a heavy linseed oil soak, for hours, then wipe it off and let it dry for a few hours and then wipe every once in a while after that for a few days.

the oil seems to soak in well, but leaves the bare ends of the fibers still open enough for gription.

 

[Jetblack]

On many of my Busse knives I find that applying some mineral or other oil to the handles really finishes them off nicely. Has anyone "finished" their RAT Micarta handles and if so, did you like how they came out?

I'm thinking about trying some tung oil followed by some treewax on one of my RC-4's and was wondering if anyone has tried this.

Im curious to see how it turns out. if you decide to do it, please post some pics.

 

[koyote]

I think tung oil might be too quick drying, now that I think about it. If you want a curing oil you may want something a bit slower. (Or in this heat, a LOT slower)