How do I restore a stacked leather handle?

[Lavan]

I have a very old, but very serviceable knife with a stacked leather washer handle. Years of use have made the leather very slick.

There is no cracking or deterioration. Just slick smooth and sort of hard to hold on to.

Is there any way to take off the slick? Thinking of sanding but want to ask first.

 

[Sando]

Lavan,

Heres a thread about replacing the leather from the makers forum:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=290099&highlight=stacked+leather

It might help you out with refinishing.

Steve

 

[Cougar Allen]

Yeah, sand it a little -- and if you care about grip, don't wax the heck out of it. I keep seeing people post complaints about how slippery a stackleather handle is, and it always turns out they waxed it up like a pair of skis.

 

[fool]

Did you ever see steel washers put in between each leather one (or two)? I don't have a knife like that, but I believe my father did. In the winter the steel stuck out a tiny bit (since the leather shrank) and felt really grippy. Fealt smoother when not so cold and dry, but always a good grip. Personally, I'm not a fan of leather handles, but maybe I'm just too young.

 

[Lavan]

It is not WORN. It just looks like it has picked up oils and dirt and got slick like a car gear shift knob.

Would rather not attack the leather with sandpaper. Maybe a cleaner of some sort???

Armorall maybe?

Idees???

 

[hardheart]

there's plenty of leather cleaners at the parts store, don't use armor all.