Finishing nonstabilized eucalyptus burl

[Brian.Evans]

I am working on this knife and am to the point where I need to final sand and finish the handle. What is recommended as far as final grit for sanding and a finish? I thought about tung oil or BLO, but I've never worked with eucalyptus burl before. Ideas?

 

[Patrickknives]

eucalyptus burl is pretty light and porous, I sand to 400 and use a shellac type finish. One I like is crystal coat which is a buff on finish that will help fill the wood and provide a hard shinny finish. Several thin coats will fill and protect. I highly recommend sending out the wood for stabilization prior to making the handle, with burls that is really the best that I have found.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=9932