Repairing laminated wood handle - epoxy?

[Ben Bat]

Hi

Some years ago I took over a gorgeous old German cheese knife from my father, probably older than I am. But the laminated wood handle recently started to separate (I took photos, but am new to the forum and can't figure out how to attach). I tried oiling, which bought me a little time. And was about to write a post asking whether there is some penetrating epoxy or resin that could be used to strengthen the handle.

But now one layer has flaked off entirely. So what to do? Can I re-glue? And is there a penetrating epoxy or similar that can be used at the same time to strengthen the remaining handle? Any tips or recommendations most welcome.

Many thanks - Ben

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Oiling any delaminating material is a bad mistake. Unless all the oil is removed, no glue will repair it.
If the oil can be removed, super glue might be your best bet for penetration.

 

[Ben Bat]

Superglue? Here I was thinking I'd need to go searching for something exotic...

So if I can superglue the separated leaf back on, I assume it's then safe to oil the handle for maintenance; or is that also not advised? And what (if anything) can be done to reduce the risk of further separation / cracking?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Stop oiling it!
Use paste wax. Oil does nothing but soften the wood fibers.

 

[adamlau]

Paste wax on wood handles? As in carnauba car wax? Would this be an effective means to increase the longevity of wood-handled tools such as rakes and shovels?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Waxing wood is an effective method of keeping moisture out.
Car wax, paste wax, neutral paste shoe polish all work.