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Finishing Ipe??

That looks fantastic. Very nice job. I like the configuration of the sheath, as well, with the different carry options. I'm sorry to hear you had finishing problems, I hope my advice didn't steer you wrong. What happened with the finish that caused you problems, if you don't mind my asking? Maybe something to be learned for next time.
Thanks,

Sam
 
Sam - No, you didn't steer me wrong at all. As a matter of fact, your advice was spot-on. I wrote earlier how I applied a rather nice shellac finish, and it really came out nice. However, during the final assembly, I believe I abraded through the shellac when cleaning up the excess JB Weld around the spaceer/handle joint. I didn't notice immediately, but after I applied a final two coats of Tung, there were distinct shadows or dull spots in that area. Under closer inspection is was apparent what had happened.

So, all that was sanded off and I just went with a Tung oil finish. I felt that, because I still needed to peen in the pin, there was a chance that I could again harm the finish if I just tried to repair the shellac.

I appreciate your help on this one Sam.

-Peter
 
Hey, it was my pleasure. I'm just glad I was able to be a little helpful. When I saw that something went wrong, I thought, "Oh, crap, I hope I didn't screw it up!" I know that feeling you probably had in the pit of your stomach when you saw those shadows, and realized what happened. Been there too many times, ha ha. Just want to say again, fantastic job. That's a real knife and sheath set you've got there. I hope to one day incorporate an artistic influence into my knives, after I'm through making 80's survival fantasy swords, lol.

Sam :thumbup:
 
I'll go ahead and add my piece on this because I love ipe a lot. I have made a few bows, a set of handle scales for a bk14 and a stacked handle on a lauri 105 blade. it is a really tough wood but I wouldn't discount it as a handle material. If done right it will make a great handle. my finishing process was to simply sand it all the way up to 1000 grit, hit it with 0000 steel wool and polish it. After that I would apply a 50/50 mix of tungue oil and polyurethane finish. I only apply one or two coats usually. The wood is naturally oily and doesn't need much of a finish to protect it.
 
I rehandled a kitchen spreader with ipe. Used JB Weld as the adhesive. Sanded the ipe to 600, then about 5 coats of boiled linseed oil. It has held up really well. It gets soaked in the sink for hours at a time, but does not go through the dishwasher. The only maintenance I've done to it is every 7-8 months to put another coat of linseed oil of some mineral oil on it.

Not much character to the grain, but it has held up well beyond my expectations.

Ric
 
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