Care of wood handles?

B

blademan 13

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Jan 25, 2000
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I have a few nice customs with mortised wood handles. The problem I seem to have is the handle joint becoming more visible over time. Is this normal? I realize that the drying process will take a long time with wood and that some shrinkage is to be expected. I live in a cold Northern climate where during the winter things can become quite dry which definitely doesn't help things any. Is there anything I can do to prevent or alleviate this problem? Does anyone else experience the same phenomenon? Is this something you just learn to live with? I know some of you guys have some awesome collections, what is your experience?

I just hate the thought of spending a lot of good money on an awesome MS Bowie and having the handle crack at the seam. Talk about a kick in the nuts. :mad:
 
You can use tung oil. Wipe the handle down with the oil, be carefull not to let it get all over the fittings. Use a Q-tip around the ferrule area. Get a thin even coat over the wood, let it soak in for 10-15 min and wipe off the gummy residue. Repeat this a few times, maybe three would be enough. DON'T follow the directions on the can. It will leave a hard film that has to be sanded smooth. By letting it get tacky and wiping off the residue, you let the oil soak into the wood and wipe off the nasty stuff you would have to sand. You can use it on stag and ivory as well. Keep applying until it doesn't seem to soak in any more. It may take a couple of days with two or three coats a day.

Hope this helps.
 
Both of these suggestions work well, and I have used both myself, but if possible, I would contact the maker of the knife, and ask him/her how they originally treated the handle, and how they suggest keeping it in top shape. Depending on original treatment, some things will work begtter than others for continued upkeep.

But do take care of these knives. I love wood handles myself.
 
Thanks for the replies. I use either Ren Wax or tung oil on my wood handles but have still seen the wood move. I just received a Cocobolo handled knife a couple weeks ago and already I can feel the handle/tang joint. It used to be smooth as glass. :barf:
 
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