Finishing Kit Knife Handles

[BBradford]

Hey Guys,

This is my first post so go easy on me please.

I'm trying to finish my first kit knife. I've got the handle shaped and sanded but I have no idea what to finish the diamond wood scales with. When this one is done, I've got two more to do for presents that have cocobolo. What would you suggest I use on them and how would I apply it?

I apologize if this has been discussed before. I tried the search function but I couldn't get it to return anything.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

You don't need to finish Dymondwood with anything.
It's been impregnated with an acrylic resin during the manufacturing process.
Take up to about 800-1000 grit (if you don't have 1200 or 1500) and buff.
Try this:
http://www.rrpwhite.com/dwood info.htm

 

[Robert_Phelps]

edit -well dang, someone beat me to it.

 

[BBradford]

Thanks for the quick replies. How would you finish a set of cocobolo scales?

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

Wecome To BladeForums you will find most of the information you will need in making knives. Have a great one. :thumbup:

 

[falconstein]

I just rub the Diamond wood with #000 steel wool

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Cocobolo does not need any more finish than a very fine sanding (800 grit or higher) and a good buffing.The oils in the wood will do the rest. Other materials that usually don't need anything but sanding and buffing are Ebony,African Blackwood, Pink Ivory (a wood),Rosewood, Desert ironwood,and most commercially stabilized woods. Genuine ivory should not be finished with anything but superfine sanding and good hand buffing ( or careful and knowledgeable power buffing).
Stacy

BTW: Welcome to the forums.

 

[safta]

dont forget long sleeves and some kind of respirator when working with those woods you dont wanna breath any of that stuff and cocobolo can give you an allergic reaction.

 

[mauserdude67]

First of all welcome, you've come to the right place. This is a great group of folks that don't mind sharing their wisdom.
I'm making some kits for some friends and family this year as well. I experimented a little bit with the dymondwood and got great results. I found that I could sand to about 1200 grit and then use Flitz polish on a soft cloth and do the "shoe-shine-boy" thing on it. It turns the scales almost glass-like. I'm sure there are other, or better ways, but as a beginner, it's a simple process that works. Be sure to clamp the knife securely if you try this method. Good luck!