Protecting Opinel Wood Handles

[David Guilbert]

Is it ok to use teak, linseed, or tung oil on wood handle opinels? Which is better to protect the wood?

 

[bikerdave47]

Is it ok to use teak, linseed, or tung oil on wood handle opinels? Which is better to protect the wood?

Walnut Oil, nice finish, not sticky, food safe...

 

[Dav1]

I use tung oil for all my handles whether original or those I make/rehandle. Doesn't give the colour of linseed but more durable and better "water-repelling". I use 100% tung oil so longer between coats.

 

[David Guilbert]

Walnut Oil, nice finish, not sticky, food safe...

Thank you

 

[Alberta Ed]

Any of those would work. However, a wax finish might be better. I melted in a TSP of ordinary floor wax into the blade slot of mine to keep the wood from swelling and the blade from binding, and also worked it in around the rest of the handle. Looks nice, doesn't rub off and also helps protect the blade pivot.

 

[Slice O Life]

Im on the beeswax train, I use it for everything. It doesnt really matter what kind of beeswax you get in my experience.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Im on the beeswax train, I use it for everything. It doesnt really matter what kind of beeswax you get in my experience.

Beeswax is good stuff. SnowSeal is basically beeswax plus some sort of solvent that evaporates after application.

 

[chalby]

A mix of beeswax and walnut oil is my go to wood conditioner/fabric waterproofer. You can experiment with more waxy 50:50 mixtures to more oily 2 parts oil to 1 part wax depending on how durable or flexible you want the finish. I use it for knife handles, cutting boards to oilskin hats and weatherproof canvas bags etc. You just need a gentle heat or double boiler and an old tin to keep it in.