Waxing handles questions

[777zzz]

From what I understand the finish on a wood handle knife needs to be touched up occasionally. I don't know if touching up is necessary for all finishes. If wax like Ren Wax is applied to the finish will the wax prevent the finish used for touching up from adhering? Also, does waxing a handle reduce the grippiness of the handle by making it somewhat slippery?

 

[tmickley]

good questions.
You will probably never refinish a knife handle. If you do, you will sand it to get the scratches out so the wax won't be a problem. It will be sanded away.
Ren wax is good stuff. It add a nice luster, help preserve the wood by slowing the humidity changes that happen naturally in the wood and keep finger prints down. I also routinely put wax on the blades. When using ren wax, if you let it dry to hard before buffing it off. You have to start over with a fresh coat. It dries incrediably tough. Apply to the entire knife, let it get almost dry, buff it to a clear finish with a clean, dry cloth.
hope that helps
t