Oops (Warning to others!) Winter = dry = oil you handles

S

Shinook

Joined
Apr 2, 2012
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So, when I got my KLVUK with asare wood handle I tried boiled linseed oil on it instead of just mineral oil or Danish Oil. And as others have noted the handle really drank it up. I ended up letting it soak in the oil a couple times and then added a couple more coats. I wasn't very scientific about it. I normally prefer Danish Oil because its so easy... and Mineral oil is even easier.

Well, anyways, I haven't put any oil on it in several weeks(maybe a month?) and a couple days ago I grabbed it to go for a hike and the handle felt wrong. I looked down and saw that a large crack had formed that was about 1 or 2 mm wide and about half the length of the handle. Arg! I still can't believe I let it dry out like that. It has been very dry here with the heat on, and I even bought I humidifier for the bedroom. And while my other handles get regular attention with mineral oil, I (wrongly) assumed this one with BLO was ok.

I didn't get any pictures before superglueing it and clamping it(sorry), I meant to but got distracted by the work and forgot the pics.

Anyways, I think I'll leave the BLO alone and stick to what I know in the future.

I hope that this reminder helps others avoid cracks in their handles.
 
Watco Danish Oil, it's a finish oil. It's very easy to find and use. I use it instead of tung oil for those two reasons.
 
Tung oil and BLO [boiled linseed oil] also work well on wood handles.

Horn handles are also susceptible to cracking. I've heard that Hooflex is good for them. years ago I would treat my handles after purchase. Probably should pickup the habit again. Last Winter the horn handle on my 18" WWII cracked. Going to fix it with some black JB weld.
 
My next HI kukri is going to probably be a rehandled CAK, with something more ergonomic and durable, like modern G10 or micarta. Anything would be better, as long as it has screws to make it replaceable.
 
wildmanh said:
Tung oil and BLO [boiled linseed oil] also work well on wood handles.
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Tung Oil all the way! I learned about wood finishes in the Navy and wood is just so naturally beautiful it deserves a good finish. So from now on I use and advocate the use of Tung Oil.
The benefits are undeniable:
-tough finish
-very water resistant
-lasts 100s of years
-brings out the grain structure in the wood
-grippy
-etc.
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The only thing that is needed is a virtue called patience.
 
Hans Asmussen said:
Is Tung Oil good for horn handles, too? If not, I heard that you can use lanolin on horn. Is that good?
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Hooflex Equine Horse Hoof Conditioner Antibacterial Absorbine is the best product for horn (and horse hoofs too :D). I bought some and it's great!
Hooflex.jpg
 
I like to use true oil on wood, bone and stag. I even rub it on my deer horns mounted on the wall.
 
I know tung oil & linsead create a great finish, but personaly always felt the slow drying properties of mineral oil protect better against shrinkage caused by extreme heat & dryness.

spiral
 
spiraltwista said:
I know tung oil & linsead create a great finish, but personaly always felt the slow drying properties of mineral oil protect better against shrinkage caused by extreme heat & dryness.

spiral
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Hi Spiral, my family is from North Carolina and I grew up around guns. The best rifles had the best finish and that was a Tung Oil finish. Back in those days there were no synthetic stocks of course. Hands down the the top protection against moisture, dryness, and even dents to a degree is oil from the Tung tree. Hey in Asia Tung Oil has been used to waterproof the mast/sails of junks (boats) and Chinese ships for 600 years. The Chinese royal furniture has always been finished with Tung Oil.

Below left: Tung Oil Finished Kukri (front) Below right: Mineral Oil used on handle (back)
P1060063.jpgP1060080.jpg
So for wood mainly it's Tung Oil plus a little patience during drying time. I use Mineral Oil too but only on tools/knives I use a lot and I don't think the wood needs beautifying. I agree you could use only Mineral Oil as an good protector of metal and wood.

Below: Hooflex used on horn handle
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For Horn I use Hooflex because if conditions your Horn handle and adds shine. Mineral Oil is good too but doesn't add shine and I believe Hooflex last longer.

P1060052.jpg
Above: Group photo with the finishes next to the handle it was used on
 
sweetcostarica said:
Hey in Asia Tung Oil has been used to waterproof the mast/sails of junks (boats) and Chinese ships for 600 years. The Chinese royal furniture has always been finished with Tung Oil.
]
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Hi there Sweetcostarica ! I didnt know that about tung oil! Interesting. Ill have to have a play around with it.

Cheers,
Spiral
 
Good stuff J. While serving in the Navy I was told about Tung Oil too (a lot of ships had wooden decks and furniture). Already knew about it.

But if you do get some Tung Oil buy it in small 8 oz or less containers for small tasks. Air affects 100% pure Tung Oil so you want to keep as less air in the bottle or can as possible. Some folks put marbles or stones in the containers for this as they use the product.

For you Marines out there. sweetcostarica whenever I challaged one or two of you. I (the Sailor) always beat you badly.
How? Whenever the Marine got close I would faint left and run right at full speed far away. No Marine has caught me yet :D.
 
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I would also encourage everyone to oil their handles. My Koa handled bilton split lengthwise! I had oiled it recently but obviously not enough. Guess I have a good project knife now.
 
bemo said:
I would also encourage everyone to oil their handles. My Koa handled bilton split lengthwise! I had oiled it recently but obviously not enough. Guess I have a good project knife now.
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You see bemo (and other folk) once you get a wood handled knife or any wooden item for that matter. If you use Tung Oil you will never ever get a crack, split or anything happening to the wood itself.

Tung Oil stops the drying out process in it's tracks. It seals the wood and protects it with a natural polymer like coating deep into the grain. Another get benefit of the Tung tree.

Also, this is a long, long lasting coating. After the treatment, which takes about two (2) months, then your basically done. If the item is used a lot, yearly touch ups are required. To touch up the wood just add another (1) coat of Tung Oil and when it's dry your good to go.
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