Opinion- How to finish Padauk

[J Lensmire]

I have this set of kitchen knives that’s in process. I really like the look and feel of these handles. I’m just trying to decide how to finish the Padauk. Suggestions?
1) Tru-Oil
2) Mineral oil
3) Wax- bees, carnuba, other
4) “Superglue”
5) Other

Thanks

 

[Crag the Brewer]

I use Danish Oil from Watco on my woods, and honestly on my micarta scales, too.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Tru-oil, Danish, or any build up type finish. Apply, let soak for 15 minutes, wipe off, let dry overnight, sand, re-apply ... repeat as many times as necessary (probably 5 or 6). After the second coat, sand with 400 grit paper before you wipe the excess off. Sand each successive coat like this, too. This will seal all the pores. Once it is smooth and you like the sheen, finish with papers to 2000 grit.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Tru-oil, Danish, or any build up type finish. Apply, let soak for 15 minutes, wipe off, let dry overnight, sand, re-apply ... repeat as many times as necessary (probably 5 or 6). After the second coat, sand with 400 grit paper before you wipe the excess off. Sand each successive coat like this, too. This will seal all the pores. Once it is smooth and you like the sheen, finish with papers to 2000 grit.

Yup, all this......& my dad taught me to buff it with my bare hand after drying. Hand rubbed finish
All my blades get fondled, A lot. Ha.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I forgot to say, "Don't power buff - hand buff with a soft cloth."

 

[J Lensmire]

Thanks Crag and Stacy. I’ve used Tru-Oil, sometimes it just seems to be too”glossy”. I think I’ll try Danish oil. Its probably very similar to Tru-Oil, but I’ll experiment with it and see which I like better.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Thanks Crag and Stacy. I’ve used Tru-Oil, sometimes it just seems to be too”glossy”. I think I’ll try Danish oil. Its probably very similar to Tru-Oil, but I’ll experiment with it and see which I like better.

Watco is not super shiny, although I don't go crazy with sanding and buffing. It's nice.
Plus, I like the smell.