- Joined
- May 1, 2016
- Messages
- 128
So I just got 2 new Okapis in the mail - The blade is a tad rusted on one (very little) but I can take care of that no problem, and the locking mechanism is stiff but will lube, hopefully that takes care of it - because my hand slipped and the top of my finger got licked by the edge. Another one on the left hand to the count.
The inside where the blade rests of the handle, and a small spot on the back is "unfinished" bare wood - I am not sure what kind of wood they use on the 907-E model at Okapi knives, it looks like Mahogany or Cherry to me. Maybe African Mahogany over regular Mahogany if that is it? I don't know much about types of wood other than a few, so am not super sure about anything I identify - if somebody could tell me that would be great. I googled it and could not find anything on specific models or anything, only that wikipedia says they usually use Cherry wood.
I would also like to know what finish they use on the handle as I cannot find any information on that it seems.
I am interested in finishing the rest of the handle on one, and refinishing the handle entirely on another, with ebony stain and a strong spar urethane as a protective clear coat (that is why I bought two, one for a project - did not expect them to have small spots of unfinished wood)
I may be just being overcautious - but I like my wood good and protected, it is bad enough with it not being sealed or stabilized - at least when it comes to warping and water/moisture/humidity susceptibility and even possible splitting and splintering.
As well the inside of the handles edge is rough, not sure if this would can splinter, the grain of the wood has added a jagged texture inside, I will probably smooth it out before treatment.
If anybody has any advice on this, or has done this in the past let me know.
I have yet to by the finishes, but I am just getting started. I will probably try and post some before and after pictures for anybody interested.
I am new to Okapis, so this is my first modification of one. I have heard a lot of good things about these knives (especially the value, as in cost to quality) and this forum introduced me to them. I don't feel like I am even close to skilled enough to replace the handles with a new material entirely. Maybe one day. I cannot even find custom Okapi handle pictures online so maybe nobody ever thought of doing it or just did not care to post it.
I will be using a water based Spray Urethane for the clear coat with Minwax Polyshade for the stain (it also offers protection as it includes the "Polycrylic" finish, but the spar urethane will go over it anyways.)
I still need to find out what finish was used on the handle originally so I could really use that advise from you guys. I want to use the original type of oil or whatever to touch up the one I do not intend to totally stain and refinish.
The inside where the blade rests of the handle, and a small spot on the back is "unfinished" bare wood - I am not sure what kind of wood they use on the 907-E model at Okapi knives, it looks like Mahogany or Cherry to me. Maybe African Mahogany over regular Mahogany if that is it? I don't know much about types of wood other than a few, so am not super sure about anything I identify - if somebody could tell me that would be great. I googled it and could not find anything on specific models or anything, only that wikipedia says they usually use Cherry wood.
I would also like to know what finish they use on the handle as I cannot find any information on that it seems.
I am interested in finishing the rest of the handle on one, and refinishing the handle entirely on another, with ebony stain and a strong spar urethane as a protective clear coat (that is why I bought two, one for a project - did not expect them to have small spots of unfinished wood)
I may be just being overcautious - but I like my wood good and protected, it is bad enough with it not being sealed or stabilized - at least when it comes to warping and water/moisture/humidity susceptibility and even possible splitting and splintering.
As well the inside of the handles edge is rough, not sure if this would can splinter, the grain of the wood has added a jagged texture inside, I will probably smooth it out before treatment.
If anybody has any advice on this, or has done this in the past let me know.
I have yet to by the finishes, but I am just getting started. I will probably try and post some before and after pictures for anybody interested.
I am new to Okapis, so this is my first modification of one. I have heard a lot of good things about these knives (especially the value, as in cost to quality) and this forum introduced me to them. I don't feel like I am even close to skilled enough to replace the handles with a new material entirely. Maybe one day. I cannot even find custom Okapi handle pictures online so maybe nobody ever thought of doing it or just did not care to post it.
I will be using a water based Spray Urethane for the clear coat with Minwax Polyshade for the stain (it also offers protection as it includes the "Polycrylic" finish, but the spar urethane will go over it anyways.)
I still need to find out what finish was used on the handle originally so I could really use that advise from you guys. I want to use the original type of oil or whatever to touch up the one I do not intend to totally stain and refinish.
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mine was anyway. But it can be made into a nice knife.