Phenolic handle refinishing?

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
6,135
Over the years, my old Pathfinder's handle has become dull and "dried out" looking. When I wash the handle with soap and water and then dry it, it loses all its luster. It even shows tiny light-colored flecks that look like lint.

Anyway, for a quick fix, I apply a very thin coat of mineral oil to the handle and the handle shines like new and the tiny flecks vanish. But as soon as I wash the handle, it's back to looking dull again.

Can Phenolic handles be refinished of polished by the factory or is there a way I can do it at home? I would like to restore the beautiful shiney finish permanently.

Thanks!
 
Called a local hardware store and talk to an ex-military guy who uses Automotive Rubbing Compound and a little elbow grease on some of his old plastic knife handles. What do think? Would this work? :confused:
 
It might be wise to send it back to the factory, because that finish would require a light re-sanding and a good buffing. You could try the rubbing compound, but I would get some 220 grit wet or dry sand paper, and work your way up to 1500 to clean it up. Then use the rubbing compound.
 
heng em said:
It might be wise to send it back to the factory, because that finish would require a light re-sanding and a good buffing. You could try the rubbing compound, but I would get some 220 grit wet or dry sand paper, and work your way up to 1500 to clean it up. Then use the rubbing compound.
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Is anything needed to seal it afterwards?
 
I just talk to Buck on the phone. I think I'm going to let them do it.:thumbup:
 
Got my Pathfinder back! Buck did a great job on the handle. Love it! :D:thumbup:
 
It was already very sharp - courtesy of my Sharpmaker. :D

Actually, I instructed them to only polish the Phenolic handle - not the guard, pommel, spacers, or blade. I didn't want it coming back and looking like a brand new knife. On the other hand, the black handle needed to be addressed.

Bottom line is, they only did what I asked them to do and that's why they have great customer service. :thumbup:

Cost was $6.95 for the return shipping.

Sorry, no digital camera. :(
 
TAH said:
Got my Pathfinder back! Buck did a great job on the handle. Love it! :D:thumbup:
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Rumor has it that Joe tests all sharpening jobs on any available in-season large animal...Sniff the blade, near the guard...does it smell like old unwashed moose??? :D
 
chickentrax said:
Rumor has it that Joe tests all sharpening jobs on any available in-season large animal...Sniff the blade, near the guard...does it smell like old unwashed moose??? :D
Click to expand...

:cool:...Yeah...Joe had the last one he got mounted after skinning it out with a "sharpen" job...Here it is...:p

PEZBullwinkle.jpg
 
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