Oiling Handles?

metdefense · Mar 22, 2009

Hi there,

I have noticed that some micarta handles, for instance the tigerhide ones, look much different when wet. Is there a way to oil them such that the "wet" look would last? If so, is the knife still usable (that is not too slippery) or is this look just for looks?

Thanks,

MIke

mikeymoto · Mar 22, 2009

Use mineral oil or wd-40 and wipe clean. Will not make it more slippery after you wipe. Both will evaporate over time and the color will fade. Re-apply at that time if interested.

metdefense · Mar 22, 2009

Great info, thank you.

idahoskunk · Mar 22, 2009

try some birchwood caseys tru oil. :thumbup:

.

JWBirch · Mar 22, 2009

metdefense said:
Hi there,

I have noticed that some micarta handles, for instance the tigerhide ones, look much different when wet. Is there a way to oil them such that the "wet" look would last? If so, is the knife still usable (that is not too slippery) or is this look just for looks?

Thanks,

MIke

In my experience, a light coat of Mineral Oil, wiped clean with a rag, makes unpolished canvas micarta even more grippy. Might not be true of other micartas, especially paper micarta, but experimentation will tell.

Like Mikeymoto said, this will evaporate and the "look" will fade. Reapply as necessary.

One more thing, some guys have put polyurathane coatings on their micarta to get the permanent "wet" look. I recall they were happy with the way it looked, very disappointed with the way it worked. Very Slick!

Bigfattyt · Mar 22, 2009

I have used brown shoe polish. put it on, take the excess off with an old towel. Then a quick buff with a brush.

also works on G10

It does not stay shiny for ever. But for much longer than mineral oil. The handles seem to stay a bit darker too.

metdefense · Mar 23, 2009

Wow Bigfatty, that is an incredible look. I am still new to the Busse world but have a user BATAC LE that is part of my basic backpacking rig and I will definitely try these suggestions on her.

Thank you to all.

yoda4561 · Mar 23, 2009

I'd avoid the tru-oil and polyurethane unless you're sure you want them to stay that way. While it's easy to remove you'll need a pretty strong stripper to do it, won't hurt the micarta but it may take the coating with it. Mineral oil and waxes will come off with a good soak in degreaser or hot soapy water.

Jaxx · Mar 23, 2009

I prefer mineral oil. Sure, you'll need to apply fairly often, but when it comes to oiling or reversing the process, nothing's easier. Also, it's completely non-toxic, so whatever is absorbed into the skin of your hand won't affect you in any way. Here's a few pix of those that I've oiled, with the exception of the Meaner Leaner Streets... The MrLrSt with the larger choil came back from Busse oiled, so I'm not sure what was used on it, but it was darker looking than regular mineral oil usually looks. The tigerhide pops when oiled, but I find that it looks even better if you hand wash the slabs with soap & warm water using an old toothbrush before applying the oil to the slabs once dry again. :thumbup:

1whobuys · Mar 23, 2009

Oil them and when you're done you can just wash them with soap and water and the oil will come right out.

gak · Mar 28, 2009

I didn't like how mineral oil would wear off/evaporate so quickly on canvas micarta. Finally I thought to try that Brush-On version of Krazy Glue, and it cured all of my problems. I sanded the micarta a bit to roughen it, washed and dried it, then brushed on a thin layer of Krazy Glue (it soaks into the micarta immediately) and left it to dry for a couple of days. Durable, looks good, and didn't interfere with the grippy feature of the micarta.

Before and after:

RoyalM · Mar 28, 2009

The mineral oil you guys talk about is that the same as Baby Oil? I've got a bottle lying about here for some reason..................and i've used it on micarta before to bring out the darker tones in it. I found it worked well but only lasted a couple of weeks depending on weather and use.

Samael · Mar 28, 2009

Baby oil is just mineral oil with fragrance added.

drift draft · Mar 28, 2009

Baby fresh micarta?

Amy-0 · Mar 28, 2009

drift draft said:
Baby fresh micarta?

For that "Stay fresh feeling"

kidding ...I HAD TO SAY IT

I always use mineral oil...:thumbup::thumbup:

G-10 handles I wipe down with a fine cloth so they are not slippery when using....

My thoughts

Amy-0