Wooden Handle?

[uncouth]

A few months ago I bought a knife blade off e-bay, I have finally put a handle on it. After much internal debate I ended up using a piece of birch (the wood, not the bark). I attached it, shaped it, sanded it, and now I'm ready to finish it.
My question is, what is the best way to finish a wooden knife handle? something simple like mineral oil? or should I use stain?
All ideas and recommendations are appreciated, pros and cons would be great too.
Thanks,
Uncouth
P.S. This is my first knife and I will try and get the wife to help me post pics when I am done.

 

[rayban]

I would stain it if the natural color was not to your liking.
Using wood like in my avatar ( Iron wood) does not require staining.
Then sand up to about 600 grit, then apply Danish Oil. When dry, it may soak in some, apply some more. I like to "hand rub" at this point with something higher than 600 grit, maybe 1000 if available, this helps fill in the pores and brings out some more sheen look to the wood.

This is just how I do it.....this is one of those, ask 6 guys, you'll get six different answers type of thing.
For instance, some will take the knife to the buffer for a high gloss look, I found this to be a dangerous step in the process, so I will not use a buffer anymore.:grumpy:

 

[uncouth]

Thank you.

 

[Tostig]

You can get a bottle of Birchwood/Casey gunstock finish at most sporting goods stores , it's basically the same as most tung oils you will find at like Home Depot.

The idea is to seal the wood of course to protect it , any polishing you do before or after is just for looks , you can leave it a little rough for grip or make her smooth as glass for looks.

Tostig