Stabilizing leather handles

[Lorien]

when I get around to making a knife handle using this technique, my plan is to seal it up using a wax concoction.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Here is an old formula that I used for making a conditioner wax for cleaning and preserving leather. Claude used to make a version of it on the farm.
I never tried it, but I have seen formulae using a quart of Ivory Dish Soap instead of the water and bar soap. Maybe I'll make a batch up and see how that works.
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=7a1d...WRkbGUrd2F4K3JlY2VwaWUmZm9ybT1DU0JSQU5E&ntb=1
You can make this simple, effective saddle wax by combining beeswax with a mild soap base and conditioning oils. This creates a product that cleans, conditions, and protects leather saddles, tack, boots, belts, and other leather things.

Basic Saddle Wax - makes a quart or so

• 3.5 cups (830 mL) water
• 0.25 cups (60 mL) pure neatsfoot oil
• 0.75 cups (95 g) grated Ivory soap (or any non-scented soap)
• 0.75 cups (65 g) beeswax in small pieces or pellets.
• 1oz to 2oz (30-60ml) lanolin or almond oil
  
  In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water to a simmer. DON'T use one of your wives pots!
  Add the grated soap and stir until fully melted.
  Add the wax a little at a time and stir until completely incorporated.
  Remove from heat and stir in the neatsfoot oil.
  Add lanolin gradually while stirring.
  Let the mixture cool slightly to form a thick, spreadable consistency.
  Pour into jars or tins and let it set. Store in a cool, dry place.

 

[Nate’s Knives]

Here is an old formula that I used for making a conditioner wax for cleaning and preserving leather. Claude used to make a version of it on the farm.
I never tried it, but I have seen formulae using a quart of Ivory Dish Soap instead of the water and bar soap. Maybe I'll make a batch up and see how that works.
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=7a1d...WRkbGUrd2F4K3JlY2VwaWUmZm9ybT1DU0JSQU5E&ntb=1
You can make this simple, effective saddle wax by combining beeswax with a mild soap base and conditioning oils. This creates a product that cleans, conditions, and protects leather saddles, tack, boots, belts, and other leather things.

Basic Saddle Wax - makes a quart or so

• 3.5 cups (830 mL) water
• 0.25 cups (60 mL) pure neatsfoot oil
• 0.75 cups (95 g) grated Ivory soap (or any non-scented soap)
• 0.75 cups (65 g) beeswax in small pieces or pellets.
• 1oz to 2oz (30-60ml) lanolin or almond oil
  
  In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water to a simmer. DON'T use one of your wives pots!
  Add the grated soap and stir until fully melted.
  Add the wax a little at a time and stir until completely incorporated.
  Remove from heat and stir in the neatsfoot oil.
  Add lanolin gradually while stirring.
  Let the mixture cool slightly to form a thick, spreadable consistency.
  Pour into jars or tins and let it set. Store in a cool, dry place.

Wonder if that would work as a sort of blade wax as well

I just did a screen shot. Thanks for sharing

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

My blade wax formula is simple. I don't even really measure the ingredients, just approximate ratios.

3 parts beeswax
1 part carnauba wax
1 to 2 parts mineral oil

Increase/decrease the oil or wax as needed to make it the hardness you like when cooled. Spoon a little on a cold metal surface and see how hard it is when at room temp. Adjust wax or oil as needed. Pour it into paper towel or toilet paper tubes with one end tightly taped off. Let harden. Cut on the bandsaw into puck size pieces if desired. Rub the wax on a warm blade and hand buff with a soft cloth.

I use pretty much the same recipe for handle wax by changing the mineral oil for linseed oil and adding 1 part almond oil and 1 part lanolin.

 

[Scott Hanson]

My go to finish for stacked leather handles is Sno-Seal, I just wipe it on and warm the handle up with a blow dryer. And just keep applying it until it doesn't absorb anymore of the Sno-Seal.