How to take care of Wood Scales

K

kidwholaughs

Joined
Jan 17, 2004
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I want to hear from our in house experts on this. I just got a new slippie with ebony scales. Along with my Queen in BEM, I have quiet a few knives with wood scale or handles. I really like the feel the warmth of exotic woods. Plus, it's lighter than bone. :)

I have always soak my scales in mineral oil to keep it from drying out and keep the wood from swelling. Is there a better way to keep the scales looking pretty for a long time?

Thanks for the advice.

God Bless
 
I have a few electric bass guitars with bare ebony fingerboards, and I just wipe the wood down with a little lemon oil several times a year. You can let it soak in for up to an hour if needed, depending on how dry the wood appears, and then buff away the excess with a clean cloth. This works great for knife handles too. The best lemon oil for wood conditioning contains no petroleum distillates, which can leech the natural oils from the wood over time.

Japanese sword (choji) oil - which is just clove-scented mineral oil - works well for wood handles too, and it smells nice to boot. It also gives bone handled knives a nice luster.
 
Mineral oil (same as sword oil) should not be applied to wood. It will soak in and swell the wood and will soften it.
Renaissance wax does not hold up well on items that are handled.
Use a good paste wax, or neutral paste shoe polish.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Mineral oil (same as sword oil) should not be applied to wood. It will soak in and swell the wood and will soften it.
Renaissance wax does not hold up well on items that are handled.
Use a good paste wax, or neutral paste shoe polish.
Click to expand...

Holy Cow, I been using mineral oil for years:eek: Would candle wax work?
I don't really know what paste wax is.

God Bless
 
No. Get neutral wax shoe polish at the grocery store. Apply, let dry, and buff with a soft cloth.
 
I would think in the quantity used to polish a handle it would be safe.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Mineral oil (same as sword oil) should not be applied to wood. It will soak in and swell the wood and will soften it.
Renaissance wax does not hold up well on items that are handled.
Use a good paste wax, or neutral paste shoe polish.
Click to expand...

I've used Renaissance Wax for many years with great results. It leaves an amazing finish.
It's true, though, that occasional reapplication is necessary with items that are handled regularly.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Mineral oil (same as sword oil) should not be applied to wood. It will soak in and swell the wood and will soften it.
Renaissance wax does not hold up well on items that are handled.
Use a good paste wax, or neutral paste shoe polish.
Click to expand...

Hey Bill,

Finally got some Kiwi neutral shoe polish. The description says, " contains a time honored blend of quality waxes ..." Is the right stuff ? I just wanted to check with you before putting it on.

God Bless
 
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