Lacquer on Buck knife handles?

Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
8
Hi all,

So I have an old 1986 Buck Esquire with the standard wood scales. There was a lot of scratches and marks on the surface of the scales, so I decided to wet and dry sand them smooth down to a 2000 grit paper. Obviously they now look to have a matt look to them.

I was going to use tung oil on the scales to hopefully darken them down and give them some shine. However, I'm wondering if a light clear lacquer would be a better bet.

What are your thoughts? I would like it to look as original as possible. Do you know if lacquer was used originally on these knives or were they just oiled in some way?

Thanks for you help.

Dan
 
I would send it to Buck, for their SPA treatment (sharpen, polish, adjust). It only cost $6.95, and that includes return shipping. Your knife will come back looking as close to new, as possible.
 
Might also post the same question over in the Buck Knives subforum here on BF. Link is below. That subforum is also moderated and monitored by Buck Knives' own staff people. You could get some very pertinent feedback there. If you click on the 'Report' link in the bottom left of your post, you can also use that to request the moderator move your post over to the Buck Knives subforum. A convenient option, if you choose to exercise it.

 
Last edited:
I would send it to Buck, for their SPA treatment (sharpen, polish, adjust). It only cost $6.95, and that includes return shipping. Your knife will come back looking as close to new, as possible.
Thanks, yes I would have done this but I live in New Zealand and the costs to send it are quite high. Still thinking about it though because I'd love them to bring it back to original condition.
 
I just rejuvenated my 40 year old Buck 110. It was a mess. I sanded from 400 to 1200, and took a drill press buffing wheel to the blade and scales. Then a good coat of mineral oil to blade and scales. Looks like new.

Personally I prefer oil. Lacquer looks too much like plastic to me. Oil can easily be reapplied to maintain a clean new look.

Maybe contact Buck to see what they recommend.
 
Thanks, yes I would have done this but I live in New Zealand and the costs to send it are quite high. Still thinking about it though because I'd love them to bring it back to original condition.
Got ya.

I use shellac for old woodworking tools, such a saw handles, planes, etc. Follow that up with some furniture wax, applied with 0000 steel wool. It will be smooth as silk, last for years, and is easy to reapply, if necessary. It is a method I picked up from Paul Sellers woodworking channel, and works great on hand tool handles. But, I think it will depend on how you plan to use your knife. For a basic pocket knife, I think the shellac will work great. If you use it in wet, sloppy conditions, maybe not so much.
 
its likely a dymondwood handle. so birch layers with color and epoxy setup. I don't think anything is going to stick or bond well to it? never tried though.......
 
Hi all,

So I have an old 1986 Buck Esquire with the standard wood scales. There was a lot of scratches and marks on the surface of the scales, so I decided to wet and dry sand them smooth down to a 2000 grit paper. Obviously they now look to have a matt look to them.

I was going to use tung oil on the scales to hopefully darken them down and give them some shine. However, I'm wondering if a light clear lacquer would be a better bet.

What are your thoughts? I would like it to look as original as possible. Do you know if lacquer was used originally on these knives or were they just oiled in some way?

Thanks for you help.

Dan
I support the idea of tung oil.

Zieg
 
Back
Top