Coating on Cocobolo handles...

[skypeace]

Does anyone know what is the coating on Cocobolo handles that makes it very glossy, it seems to be quite thick and is there an easy way to strip it?

I have used a mildly abrasive Brass polish to remove the thick layer in the past and just recently on a new 119. I try to get down to the actual plywood because if I can feel the wood grain at all my hands get a better purchase.

Once the major part of this layer is removed I then shine it back to a sort of satin finish which is not as glossy as the original. Is this lacquer or some sort of poly coat?

 

[st8yd]

I believe it is just stabilized wood and polished. I have never heard of them adding a finish coat as any coating would eventually come off.

 

[David Martin]

Some wax comes off the buffing wheels from the rouge applied to them on to the handle. DM

 

[Lesknife]

If you’re wanting a satin finish you can use a medium scotch bright pad to reduce the gloss and then some furniture polish to get the color back. But I recommend taping the guard and pommel to keep it shiny. I’ve done this on a couple of handles and they have a nice satin look and a better grip that’s not slick.

 

[skypeace]

If you’re wanting a satin finish you can use a medium scotch bright pad to reduce the gloss and then some furniture polish to get the color back. But I recommend taping the guard and pommel to keep it shiny. I’ve done this on a couple of handles and they have a nice satin look and a better grip that’s not slick.

Thanks, that seems to be the ticket. I don't know why it just felt like a layer of polyurethane or lacquer? After the rough up I used some motorcycle polish, but that made it too slick, the furniture polish is just right.

 

[afishhunter]

Dymawood, or whatever they call their layered wood. No surface coating.
As others have stated, you can use a Scotchbrite, or 000 or 0000 steel wool, to knock the shine off.

 

[DeSotoSky]

There is no surface layer finish. The resin impregnation of the wood is completely thru and is so high the wood is plasticized and can be buffed directly with no surface finish necessary. Here is the information on finishing taken from the old Rutland website... (now defunct)

Finishing
The smooth, high-gloss finish that is characteristic of DymondWood® finished products is achieved by the following
process
1) using a #120 grit or finer sandpaper, remove any cutter marks. Sand all surfaces, working with the grain(A
belt sander does a fine job). Remember, the higher the grit, the greater the luster.
2) using a cloth buffing wheel, apply the rough buff compound and buff to a matte finish(TRIPOLI #1010). If a
gloss is desired, apply the finer textured finishing compound(MOCO#1918).

 

[skypeace]

There is no surface layer finish. The resin impregnation of the wood is completely thru and is so high the wood is plasticized and can be buffed directly with no surface finish necessary. Here is the information on finishing taken from the old Rutland website... (now defunct)

Finishing
The smooth, high-gloss finish that is characteristic of DymondWood® finished products is achieved by the following
process
1) using a #120 grit or finer sandpaper, remove any cutter marks. Sand all surfaces, working with the grain(A
belt sander does a fine job). Remember, the higher the grit, the greater the luster.
2) using a cloth buffing wheel, apply the rough buff compound and buff to a matte finish(TRIPOLI #1010). If a
gloss is desired, apply the finer textured finishing compound(MOCO#1918).

Wow! That is precisely the indepth detail I was looking for. Thank you.