Blue Raffir handle on chef knife?

[jaredboy]

Hi
Has anyone used Raffir for handles on a custom knife? I just finished a chef blade using blue Raffir. Sanded to 800, polished and all is smooth and beautiful.
Then I handwashed the blade and handle and the Raffir feels 'gritty' as if the water raised spots/fibers in it.

I resanded, repolished, all smooth. Washed again and yep 'gritty'.

Is there something I'm missing about how to finish this? Perhaps rubbing an oil like linseed into it?

Thanks for any replies.

Here's a link to a picture of it for reference: https://ibb.co/FgVdCNB