Hi guys, i have a flexcut carving knife, the old handle broke so i carved a new one, i sanded it with some 500 grit paper and it works fine, however it gets really dirty and is not shiny, so i would like to polish the wood up better then possibly finish it with something.. problem is i have no idea what you guys use to made those stunningly smooth wood handles.. I have 500 grit paper, leather, and plenty of time, any advice is much appreciated, thanks!
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Polishing and finishing wood handles?
- Thread starter Trigcure
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2008
- Messages
- 608
Do you know what type of wood it is? Different woods finish differently. Many of those stunningly smooth handles are made from very dense woods. If the wood itself isn't dense enough, you will need a filler or resin to allow it to be polished. I generally take woods to at least 4000 grit, too.
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2008
- Messages
- 608
You'll definitely need a finishing product for maple, (really dense woods won't float). I haven't done any maple handles, (non-stabilized), but I use it a lot in boxes. I prefer to use a penetrating oil, (a few coats), and then wax or simply polish depending on the desired finish.
After shaping the scales I sand the wood so they are smooth, but not slippery. How fine a grit for the final sanding is up to you. Wet the wood lightly once or twice during the sanding process and let it dry and sand off the whiskers.
When it is sanded as much as I want, I apply a first layer of polyurethane thinned with mineral spirits to act as a sealer. Let it dry completely-usualy overnight is good-sand it lightly to form a gripping surface for the next layer and put on 2 or 3 layers after the sealer layer.
I use satin polyurethane, but if you use high gloss and want satin then light sanding will dull it. I tried one brand of spray urethane and was not satisfied with the durability.
This is all I do now and I have been very satisfied.
F
When it is sanded as much as I want, I apply a first layer of polyurethane thinned with mineral spirits to act as a sealer. Let it dry completely-usualy overnight is good-sand it lightly to form a gripping surface for the next layer and put on 2 or 3 layers after the sealer layer.
I use satin polyurethane, but if you use high gloss and want satin then light sanding will dull it. I tried one brand of spray urethane and was not satisfied with the durability.
This is all I do now and I have been very satisfied.
F