treating wood knife handles

[crossada]

i have searched in here under different terms and have not found what i'm looking for so i'll try here.

one of my bowie handles in african blackwood has recently started to get a surface crack nothing major yet and i could have the maker rehandle it for me.

what i want to know is how to prevent this so it doesn't happen again. i treat my handles with boiled linseed oil about 5 times a year with a saturated rag but this still happened. should i do a full submersion soak overnight or use a different product?

any advice would be appreciated.

 

[David Martin]

I'd think the linseed oil would do it . Yes, try submerging and allow it to dry in a warmer area . Iowa doesn't have a harsh climate like Phoenix . DM

 

[Jim L.]

i have searched in here under different terms and have not found what i'm looking for so i'll try here.

one of my bowie handles in african blackwood has recently started to get a surface crack nothing major yet and i could have the maker rehandle it for me.

what i want to know is how to prevent this so it doesn't happen again. i treat my handles with boiled linseed oil about 5 times a year with a saturated rag but this still happened. should i do a full submersion soak overnight or use a different product?

any advice would be appreciated.

You could try applying a thin CA glue to the crack to prevent it from getting any more severe. Several light coats into the crack until absorbsion stops and crack is filled. Allow to cure for a couple three days before fine sanding.

This won't prevent the cracks from forming, but will hold them in check.

Jim L.