Finishing wood handles...

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer

Joined
Feb 28, 2006
Messages
3,494
Hi folks,

I just bought some sweet looking walnut from Mark of Burl Source (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=686534). For finishing Mark suggested...
This is natural walnut. It has not been stabilized. I recommend against having it stabilized. Using natural walnut with an oil finish will maximize the chatoyancy, the way the light moves within the figure.
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When I asked him what would be a good way to finish it, his answer was superb so I wanted to pass it on.

Burl Source said:
I don't have the patience to do it the right way like the gun stock guys do.
My way takes a lot less time and gets better results than I see on knives at the shows.

1. After shaping, sand to 400 grit making sure there are no sanding marks from previous grits.

2. Oil liberally with Watco or other brand danish oil. Wet sand using wet/dry sandpaper. (the gray stuff) 4 or 500 grit works fine. The slurry from the wet sanding helps to fill open pores. Let it sit till it starts getting gummy then wipe thoroughly with old t shirt.

3. Repeat a few times till it looks good to you. Let dry overnight.

4. I finish off with a top coat of Rudd brand Satin finish aerosol lacquer. Spray a couple light coats and let dry. Usually only 10 minutes or so. Then rub down with extra fine steel wool (0000) Then a couple more coats. Rub down with steel wool and repeat one or two more times.

5. Using wood paste wax, wax liberally and hand buff with an old t shirt.

This way the color becomes more vivid and the figure gains more depth. I finish boxes using this method for our galleries and they turn out real nice.

I hope this helps. Thanks for everything. Mark
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Maybe some of you guys have some good ways too that you'd like to share with folks?

All the best, Phil
 
Phil you legend. Ive literaly just finished sanding a walnut handle down to 400grit and was wondering how I should finish it.

Many thanks to you and Mark!

Jamie
 
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This is the way that Arrow wood finish is used. It works very well. I have been using Arrow for years.
 
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