Mineral oil on wood scales?

[AntDog]

Going the opposite way, is there a way to get wood scales back to their original color. I have a couple of knives, one with light oak scales and one with darker desert wood scales. Over time they have darkened with use, from sweat and natural oils from my hands, is there a way to try and extract some of this out of the wood and lighten them up a bit, just something close to their original color. Or is this just a natural progression that happens with use and there is nothing you can do about it.

You could try gently washing it with dish soap and water. I know it works for most synthetic handle materials. It might make the wood swell if it’s unprotected though. If it works let it slowly dry completely (so it doesn’t crack), then treat it with wax so it’ll be protected.

Most natural handle materials do darken with age and use to my knowledge and that’s part of the charm to me. Adds character.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I've been using Johnson's Paste Wax on my wood handled knives with good results. If anyone has a measurably better alternative, I'd love to hear it!

Johnson Paste Wax also works well to seal the wooden handles of Opinels and prevent the blade from binding.