Help with Bloodwood finishing

[jpowell18]

Hi Everyone,

Been stalking these forums for a while but finally have a question I need answered. I'm working on my second knife for a buddy and have used bloodwood scales. Ive got it sanded up to 800 grit and it already looks great. I ordered them from Texas Knifemakers Supply and it says on the website to use a sealer. What kind of sealer should I use? I want to keep it looking as close to natural as possible. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Greenberg Woods]

Bloodwood does not need a sealer. Its an incredibly dense wood "specific gravity of about 1" with a reasonably high oil content and is closely related to snakewood. A good buffing and a few coats of wax would be all it needs. If you REALLY feel the need to seal it, a cyanoacrylate or CA coating would be the best choice, but again its not needed.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Use lacquer type sanding sealer. Apply, let dry 10 minutes, sand with 400 grit paper, let dry a day ... repeat several times until all the pores are fully sealed. After 3-5 coats, sand up to 1000-2000 grit and it will shine.