If you don't love cocobolo, don't read any farther. My actual knife making doesn't begin until I can work outside (no dust exhaust system). However, I'm collecting materials and equipment galore (within limits) ...want to stay married. Anyway, to get to what I have to offer ...which most of you probably know already, is the following.
First, I love cocobolo and stag. The pros found out this info years ago, but FWIW, these are my methods to get a hand rubbed look mirror finish without sealer or oil on cocobolo (coco has its own oil). Shape handle (I do only hidden tangs), sand progressively with 320, 400, 600, 1000 and finally 1200 grit. Criss-cross your sanding between grits. Proper buffing is important. Whatever non-coloring fine white rouge you use, end up with K & G's White Diamond rouge.
This buffing wheel tip comes from Vern Ford in Oregon. Take a 3/4" regular muslin buff wheel and using a razor blade cut the threads down into the wheel half way. Now you have a 3/4" semi-loose buff ...works great. Sorry for the rambling on, but I'm proud of my results so far.
I hope this might help someone. I would like to return a little of the unfathomable amount of info I've gleaned from this premier forum on the internet.
BTW, with cocobolo, don't settle for the average dark straight grained stock. Find sources that will sell you select or even super select. Look for color, figure and color contrast in the same 5" block. It's much more enjoyable working on material you truly admire.
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Joe