Wood

[Boriqua]

Im not a maker but figured this is where I could get some good advice on this subject. I LOVE wood scales. However many makers put some type of heavy clear coat on them that makes them slippery as hell. I have a knife by Gaston with birch scales but is so smooth it wants to fly from your hand. What can an owner apply to wood scales to help preserve them without coating them. Like my leather goods I like when the wood gets dark in places from use. Some character. Now I do have wood scales without the shiny stuff. What can I apply and how often.
Alex

 

[indian george]

I have used tung oil.I am try'g this oil by the name of PRESERVE, Woodworks Whse. carries it. Only been us'g it for 6 mths.,so far so good.

------------------

 

[Kisu]

I use triple boiled linseed oil, if I don't go overboard it protects the wood without leaving it slick

 

[Vendelcrow]

The scales on your Gaston knife might be of stabilized wood, they can get quite slicky when they are polished. For untreated scales I use Danish oil, and steel wool. Be careful, the steelwool might get into the pores of the wood.
Vendelcrow

 

[Chris S]

On one of my knives I made, I did the scales in domestic red oak that i had laying around from home projects. For treatment, I used three thin coats of a clear polyurethen laquer. It was thin enough that the stuff soaked into the wood and left the surface with enough texture for a good sure grip even when wet.

Good luck and have fun!!! Chris S