epoxy to repair laminated wood knife handle?

B

Ben Bat

Joined
Aug 28, 2017
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I know this is not strictly about construction, but repair. But figure that those who know how to build a laminated wood handle would probably also be best placed to advise on how to repair (indeed resurrect) one.

Some years ago I took over a gorgeous old German cheese knife from my father, probably older than I am. But the laminated wood handle recently started to separate (it had been pretty dry, and while oiling bought me a little time, it wasn't enough).

I'd been was about to write a post asking whether there is some penetrating epoxy or resin that could be used to strengthen the handle. But now one layer has flaked off entirely. So what to do? Can I re-glue? And is there a penetrating epoxy or similar that can be used at the same time to strengthen the remaining handle? Any tips or recommendations most welcome.

Many thanks - Ben
 
Post some picts to see what is going on
 
West System 105 Epoxy Resin with the 206 slow hardener is surprisingly runny and it is slow cure so it would have time to soak in as much as it might.
CA glue (super glue), especially the really thin watery stuff would probably be better at soaking into something. Too bad there's not a slow cure CA.

- Paul Meske, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
 
There are some slow curing CA glues, I use a lot of CA glues in my pen building business, and I have a lot of different CA's I've used through the years--I'd do a google for slow set CA glues and try one of those, but also the clear Gorilla glue would not be off my list it works amazingly well. I am also am also in the camp voting for a handle replacement most likely---pictures might make me change my vote :)
 
Smith & Co. in Richmond, CA makes a penetrating epoxy that is thinner than water. You paint it on until no more will soak in and let it cure. Then use their regular laminating epoxy to glue the wood together. I used to use it for boat building. That being said, I would guess a new handle would be better in the long run.
Tim
 
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