thouching up khukuri rosewood handle finish

Lt. Dan · Aug 10, 2000

A Mini-Jungle brass endcap was sticking out too far, had to be dressed down, and some of the rosewood in that area is now bare and needs some finish. The original finishing material is a mystery to me, and I'd like to match it instead of refinishing the whole handle.

Finishing new wood is easy, but touching up the existing finish is another story. Does anybody know what the Nepalis use, or does anyone have experience with what kind of stuff we have here that will match their finish?

Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil, tung oil, or linseed oil may be too high tech and not come close to blending. The oil from my own hide leaves the wood a different color. I'm most concerned about prolonging wood life and am not too terribly picky about getting a perfect match, but I'd rather not make it two-toned if it can be done right the first time.

Personal experience and a mini finishing clinic would be most appreciated.

[This message has been edited by Lt. Dan (edited 08-10-2000).]

Craig Gottlieb · Aug 11, 2000

Can't say I am much help here. One of the few things I DIDN'T watch them do when I was there was finish a wooden handle. I'll post the question to Lalit, but I get the feeling he's pretty busy right now, and the request might get lost on the way up to TB. But I'll try.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

Blackdog · Aug 13, 2000

Lt. Dan,

Just wanted to let you know that I got your E-mail and complied with your request. I tried sending you a return message but it kept kicking back to me.

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Blackdog

Will Kwan · Aug 14, 2000

I finished wood khukuri handles with linseed oil and tung oil. I prefer the finish of linseed oil it puts a hard sealing finish on the wood. To keep the handle the same color apply with thin layers. Also, allow the oil to dry between applications. It actually polymerizes. When I'm applying linseed oil I usually rub hard enough that friction makes the rag feel hot.

Tung oil penetrates faster than linseed oil. I use it in the same manner. The finish is not as hard.

I have not used the Cassey stuff on a khukuri handle. It does not penetrate well and is too glossy. However, Cassey might not change the original color much. Both linseed and tung oil will change the color of the wood.

Will

[This message has been edited by Will Kwan (edited 08-14-2000).]

Lt. Dan · Sep 5, 2000

Will, thanks for the advice on touching up the finish on a rosewood mini-jungle handle. The general consensus among serious woodworkers was to use a high quality tung oil. A 4-oz bottle of Formby's was found @ a hardware store (the last thing I wanted was a BIG can) and used like you suggested. It takes time for this finish to build up, but it's well worth the time & effort. The handle looks original and the old and new blends beautifully. It could be that the kamis use some kind of shellac that is similar to linseed oil.

Craig Gottlieb · Sep 8, 2000

Lt Dan: I'm holding that third wood handled cheetlang for you - I remember Peter saying you wanted a Cheetlang. This one's unique (see the other post). I'll hold it through Monday.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

Lt. Dan · Sep 8, 2000

Craig, I'm grateful for your remembering that I want a Cheetlang. These wood units must be fantastic, given the chakma/karda pic and that the big knife is as good as the first shipment! Peter Frye had one briefly and said the quality was incredible (high praise from a master knife maker). It's taking mega willpower to pass up one of these, but I'll wait until the horn models come in, and then drive myself knuts trying to choose ONE from Pete's inventory. Man, these are almost unreal, but I'm trying to take the delayed gratification route this time. I was a little discouraged to miss out on the original fourmite offer and see the price go up, but TB and GH are coming through with superb quality, and a good case to boot!
So, thanks for offering to hold it for me, but this one will have to knock somebody else out.
Say, is there a chance the next shipment will bring some horn models with full tang chakmas and kardas?!