Scale Finishing Question

Nonprophet

Nonprophet

Joined
Dec 22, 2010
Messages
231
I am finishing a set of knife scales made of Claro Walnut. I am hand rubbing boiled linseed oil cut with thinner. I want to know how shiny, or glossy a finish I can get with that? I want to get it to shine and not look flat if possible. Do I need to just do a load of coats and rub the crap out of it or is that not something I can do with boiled linseed? The wood soaked up the first coat really fast. IS there any technique or suggestion as to how to apply? I put a bunch on the first coat and it soaked it right up! Do I need to put a clear on it afterwards to get a shine? Help!
 
I'm no expert, at anything. But, in my experience, the oil will typically be flat. To get a shine you might need to do some wax or Tung oil. The Tung oil can be used as an oil, just wipe it off. Or, I've put it on thicker, like you would do a clear coat.
Depends on the knife, the wood, etc..
I admit, I tried to get somewhat of a shine on some stabilized walnut crotch on a knife I own. I didn't try too hard, but the thin application of Tung oil just seemed to get absorbed. It's still kind of flat.
In the custom knife subforum, there was a discussion about walnut handles. Look over there, lots of pics.
 
Check out Birchwood Casey tru oil. I've gotten some spectacular high gloss results with this stuff. If you apply enough coats it builds and you can buff it with burlap or denim to achieve a very, very glossy finish.
 
Hmmm...interesting. I have 1 coat of the boiled linseed on the knife. Can I sue something else over the top of it or do I have to just use that?
 
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