How To Padauk finish questions

J

Justin W

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Jul 30, 2019
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I am planning to make a knife set for my brother's birthday (40 yrs). For now, just small knives, like a pairing knife and steak knives (6 ish). I would like them to be a set, with all similar shape and material. Steel is AEB-L, and I have a nice piece of Padauk for the handles.

So, I really like the natural color. What finish methods and materials change the color the least? Keeping in mind this wood has large open pores. I don't know if they are better wet sanded or filled with CA or just buffed/waxed and left alone. I have used Danish oil (walnut) and it added too much color to one of my handles for my taste. It was Canary wood with nice contrast and a little splat and it all got washed out by the finish when it looked great raw.

Given the challenge getting masks, are they 100% necessary? Is a cotton mask sufficient? I currently shape with hand tools, rasp, rasp saw, files and rhino wet paper up to 800 grit.

I am planning black liners and brass pins. Any opinion on the combo?

This is the first set of scales.
sUv6Q3r.jpg
 
Im not sure if there is a way to finish padauk without it turning deep red. Danish oil instantly darkens and brings out the red, you would probably get less color change with a fine sand/wax/buff. But I really like padauk and usually finish with tru oil. Sometimes it takes a while to cure, but it stays nice and colorful for a while. Im not a fan of the orangeish color before the finish is applied so I always appreciate the color change
 
Also, I wouldn't recommend unstablized padauk for kitchen type knives, its rot resistant and all, but not stable like some other more oily dense woods.
 
All of the Padauk I’ve used over the years darkens as it oxidizes and oils from the user’s hand penetrate the wood. I use Stabilized Padauk take it to 600 grit & buffed in some white Rouge. Ready for delivery ....
 
Thanks for the help. I don't have the time to get them stabilized, but I don't think these knives are going to see hard use. Maybe some misuse, but not pro chef level daily usage certainly.

From what I am reading the preferred methods for non-stabilized Padauk is a wet sanding with Danish oil, Tung oil finish, or Tru oil, followed by a paste wax. These seem to fill the pores and provide a little protection from water and UV. But, I can still be convinced of other methods.

Can anyone post pictures? I would love to see before and after pictures if you have them. And please describe your process a little for the record.
 
Use the natural danish oil. The walnut danish oil has stain built into it to darken or even color in dark woods,
 
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