What is a recommened finish

[weaselrunner]

for knife handles. I have some mahongony and purple heart and was thinking about either tung oil or clear satin polyurithane to finish some scales and handles with ????????????????????

 

[B Finnigan]

I like tung oil myself but there are many finishes used by makers and they all have benefits and drawbacks.

Tung oil really makes the grain/fiquring really pop out but also leves a slick glossy surface which is not always good for grip.

 

[mdoyle]

This is what I do:
Sand at 120,220, then I use teak oil. Apply the teak until it will not take anymore and just stays on the surfacace. Use the urethane as a sealer, not as a finish. Apply the urethane lightly with a soft lint free cloth, let it soak in and dry. Sand the urtethane back down. Sand at 220, 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, then buff with zam or fabulstre.
Matt Doyle