Stacked Leather Handles

[wildmike]

I used my old issue Ka-Bar for decades (it was eventualy stolen). The leather handle held up fantastic during all those years with extensive field use in all conditions.

The advice on sno-seal and beeswax is right on the money. To use beeswax just melt the wax and paint it on the handle (better if you preheat the handle on warm in an oven for an hour or so with the door partialy open) then paint on the beeswax with a brush let it sit in the oven on a cookie sheet for 15 min or so to soak in, then wipe off the excess with a rag. Once everything is cooled down vigorously buff the handle with a rag.

 

[kidcoyote]

I used my old issue Ka-Bar for decades (it was eventualy stolen). The leather handle held up fantastic during all those years with extensive field use in all conditions.

The advice on sno-seal and beeswax is right on the money. To use beeswax just melt the wax and paint it on the handle (better if you preheat the handle on warm in an oven for an hour or so with the door partialy open) then paint on the beeswax with a brush let it sit in the oven on a cookie sheet for 15 min or so to soak in, then wipe off the excess with a rag. Once everything is cooled down vigorously buff the handle with a rag.

thats pretty messed up stole your sentimental valued knife you got while serving your country. steal any knife but that. i can't stand dishonest people.

 

[rbmcmjr]

One thing about leather handles that can catch you by surprise is when your favorite local rodents find them and use them for snacks. It can be an issue with Stag too.

Rick

 

[smokey1187]

I just use the waterproof spray you find being sold in the shoe dept. I had used it on my Kabar with a little saddle soap works find

 

[hawaiianhawk]

I've had no problems with my Kabar 1217 and its leather handle. I use a little mink oil every coupla months and wipe it off if it gets wet. Leather handles are, to me, one of the most comfortable handle materials out there.

 

[buckeyejake]

Snow seal for me! I have a quartermaster and a old pal they are ww two age knives
Jake

 

[meako]

Ok here we have three stacked leather handled knives L-R Reg cooper bowie about 5 YO,Schrade D2 hunting knife and an unknown beater that was found in a laneway .I use it in the garden.
The Schrade was a bit dried and rattlesome when I got it but the leather is now tight and good. The beater was in appalling condition having been outside for a lenghty period.It too is now tight and has loads of life left in it.
Here's what I use on them -mostly beeswax products with the exception of Dubbin/saddlesoap.

I like the leather to feel slightly sticky. If they get wet through . Apply plenty of balm in a thick coat . Leave overnight and buff off in the morning.
NB iwouldn't use all of these at the same time just whatever is at hand-all are good.

 

[okbohn]

I use Obenaufs on all my stacked leather. It is probably not necessary. Leather handles are tough!

 

[smokey1187]

what about using a good shoe polish? Has anybody tried or know what the effects are on a leather handle. They use that to dye holsters.

 

[Double Ott]

Stacked leather is a first love of mine. I've added two or three more since I took this picture.

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Tom

 

[Guitarist7.62]

what about using a good shoe polish? Has anybody tried or know what the effects are on a leather handle. They use that to dye holsters.

Shoe polish works but remember, it protects the leather not conditions it. You need some sort of conditioner or oil to preserve it, neatsfoot oil, mink oil, leather lotion, those will condition the leather and keep it from shrinking and creating a loose handle. Follow up with a wax or wax based shoe polish to "put a finish" on it. Waterproofs it, and protects against the elements.

 

[22-rimfire]

Blackjack (made by Bark River) does a nice job on their classic line which includes stacked leather. There are a couple in Double Ott's picture above.