Leather Washer Handles

[Smoke Eater]

I was wondering if anyone could give some advice on finishing leather stacked handles. I have used leather from some of my Grandfathers old belts on an old Estwing Hatchet. I've epoxied the leather together and profiled the it, now all I need is help on what to use to protect the leather. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Rub in neatsfoot oil and buff wit a cotton cloth when dry.

 

[Kevin Davey]

I use either bees wax or renaissance wax...then buff off.......

If the knife is being used heavily and gets scuffed, I clean them like I would a pair of good boots, using brushes and shoe polish...then re apply the wax and buff.

 

[Rick Lowe]

Just to add another method (all the above work well) I saturate the leather with Tung oil, let it dry, and do again. This comes from Chuck Burrows and has worked well for me.
Rick

 

[Terry_Dodson]

Rick, do you soak in the tung oil before you put them on and glue them up, or after they are on, glued and compressed?

 

[Rick Lowe]

Terry, I use the Tung oil after everything is assembled, shaped and finish sanded. It really seals and protects the leather.
Rick

 

[Terry_Dodson]

Thanks, that is what i thought, but i wanted to make sure.

 

[Smoke Eater]

Thanks for the info guys.