Rough ebony handle

[SubSpace]

I have an otherwise flawless jack knife with an ebony handle, and the pile side scale is rough, for lack of a better word. I'm used to my wood handled knives being smooth and this one is just a little sand papery to the touch. Since I know next to nothing about woodworking, is there an easy way to smooth this out without wrecking the cosmetics of the handle? Sand paper? Some type of polish? Leave it along and quit nitpicking?
Thanks!

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Might post a pic or two, so those here can get a clearer idea of what the handle looks like. Based on the description alone, it would seem that some high-grit sanding or buffing might fix it, but if there are other issues complicating that (shields/bolsters to work around, or a finish coat of some kind, etc), a pic might generate a more specific and better idea for handling it. At first impulse, I'd likely just use a small piece of high-grit wet/dry sandpaper (maybe ~ 600-1000+) on a fingertip to smooth it out. Perhaps some burnishing/buffing with a ScotchBrite pad might also work, but I'd likely try some sanding first.


David

 

[SubSpace]

Thank you, David. I can't take a picture well enough to show what I'm talking about. The wood doesn't look bad at all. Just a tactile thing. I'll try lightly sanding it as you suggest.

 

[Phydeaux]

Use some water or lubricant with the wet/dry sand paper.

Usually for ebony, I work it up to 1000 grit wet/dry. Put a light coat of carnuba wax, then buff.

Ric