Opinel #8 handle customizing ...

[Obsessed with Edges]

Yeah, it's not walnut. The grain isn't open enough for walnut.

Obsessed, I am thinking of doing a little Danish oil treatment on my no. 6. Do you like yours?

I like it a lot. I'd never done it before, and the process went a lot easier than I could've hoped.

I had shaped & sanded the handle with wet/dry paper. After cleaning up all the dust from that, I applied two very light coats, using a folded paper towel. Just folded the paper towel to make a 'pad', and placed that over the spout on the can (Watco Danish Oil), and inverted it to lightly moisten the pad. Then just wiped it on. Very, very easy. I applied two coats this way, about 20-30 minutes apart (dried to the touch within ~15 minutes or so). Then waited a few days (3+) before applying a 3rd coat. It takes a few days to fully 'cure' & harden up, so it's best to go lightly with it. The only negatives I've heard with regard to it's use are if it's applied too heavily; results in sticky/soft/gummy finish.

 

[Whitedog]

Here is my first Opinel. Opinel #8 in the raw. Sorry no in the raw pictures. I have sanded, stained and applied poly seal to it. The handle was a little longer the first go around but decided to cut it off some more. It fits better now. Great knife for a few bucks and a inexpensive project. These things cut like mad too,.