What finish for buffalo horn and wood?

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
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771
I've been putting together a few stick tang knives.I'm using exotic wood scrap from a bowyer friend of mine.On some I've used a Buffalo horn roll spacer.I've been finishing with Tung oil but it doesn't look as good on the horn and doesn't seem to harden well.

I suppose horn doesn't need tung oil but so far I haven't figured a way to keep the oil from getting on the horn especially when it is in the middle of a wood piece.

I also hate the 12 hour wait between coats.I need a good waterproof finish alternative that can be applied by hand.

Thanks for any help.
 
Thanks Bill
I just refinished one and used paste wax after I buffed all the Tung oil off.It looks very good.Do you think a buffed wax finish is enough waterproofing with exotic wood? Most of the woods I have been using are very oily to start with.

These are scandi bladed stick tang knives.I don't want any coming back because of water problems.
 
Yes, and it can be reapplied as often as necessary.
 
You can also try making your own wax that feels better than anything store bought. I use it on all of my period furniture pieces. Two coats rubbed by hand after you apply an oil finish.

In a double boiler melt 2 parts bee's wax. Add 1 part turpentine and 1 part boiled linseed oil. Mix thoroughly and pour into a warmed mason jar. You can also add a little dark brown or black dye to make it darker so that it doesn't leave white in the pores of unstabilized wood.
 
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