How should I finish a stag horn knife handle?

[Mark in SC]

I am about to finish my first stag handled custom knife. Should I seal the handle to prevent it from absorbing blood or fat?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Only if you have exposed the porous center core. If not, just sand and polish.
Bill

 

[rev_jch]

Noooooooo, no no.

Bone, and stag both, need to be able to "breathe" a little. Just lightly buff the stag with a plain cotton buffing wheel (no compound). Very, very lightly though. Too much will cause it to burn, or make small "burn marks". Do it lightly, and do not hold it in place for more than a couple seconds in any one given area.

To help preserve the stag, you can "very lightly" apply 100% mineral oil once in a while, and that will help keep it from drying out too much.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Damn! I've been doing it wrong for almost 40 years! Polishing with compound won't hurt it at all.
Bill

 

[Mark in SC]

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate the help!