Best Way to Roughen Stacked Leather Handle?? Help Please.

N

Nalapombu

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
303
Hey all.

A while back I came into a Kabar USMC full size that had seen better days. The blade was fine. In fact the blade has a nice patina to it that I rather like. Makes it look different and unique, I think.
The “problem” with the knife was its handle. It was terrible. Luckily I learned that Kabar sells a kit that lets you replace the handle with all new leather discs. I was afraid to do it thinking I’d just screw it up so I found a guy that generously offered to do it for me. It turned out great. I love the knife and can’t wait to take it in a hog hunt where I can actually use it as intended.

The guy that put the new leather handle on sanded it down to the right size and shape and left it raw and unfinished. I guess he thought it would be better left to me to finish it how I wished. That’s where I’m at now. I need to finish this handle, but I don’t know what to do it with and how difficult it’ll be.

Would you all mind giving me some suggestions on what products to use and how to properly finish this handle? I know it’ll look 100% better when finished.

Any help, suggestions or advice you care to give will be really appreciated.
thank you for your time.
BD
 
I forgot to add that right now the leather is smooth and slippery if your hands are dry. I don’t know if I should toughen it up prior to finishing it or if the coating put on ut will give enough of a good purchase on the knife that it won’t need roughening up.
 
When I re-did my Kabar 1217 handle, I sanded the leather down to where it was 'raw' leather. I used 400 grit sand paper if I remember correctly.
Then I used SnoSeal. I placed the knife complete in a warm oven (~60deg C) for about 15min then rubbed liberally with SnoSeal. Use a cloth to rub off the excess, the handle will be left nice and 'plumped up' while also beimg waterproof. It will darken the handle though. I've also heard of rubbing on SnoSeal, then putting some tinfoil around it and using a hairdryer to heat up the handle and get the SnoSeal to soften and absorb into the leather.
Here is the thread of my Kabar handle refurb.
 
Did he file in the rings? I filed rings, colored them black with a sharpie then used Cordoba shoe polish.

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I’d like to see a picture of your knife. Maybe it would help us move you forward.
 
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