Wooden handles

[RescueRiley]

I recently got a Hells fjellkniven IT isw a great knive with beuatiful Birch handles, THe handle is sanded smooth but has a small knot in it that has some small superficial fissures around it... I'm concerned with these soaking up moisture over time and causing cracks or split in the handle.
any reccomendations in the best way to fix this or prevent it?
Thanks in advance

 

[Samael]

If the wood is stabilized (and many woods are these days), it shouldn't be a problem. Of course, there's no easy way to tell whether it is or isn't. I suppose you could put a coat of varnish or polyurethane sealer over it if you're really concerned about moisture. Some type of wax like Ren Wax would probably help too, but it'll wear off.

 

[1066vik]

If you're really worried about moisture getting all the way down to the tang and rusting it, try to inject superglue or epoxy in the crack and then sand off any squeeze-out.

 

[KFU]

if you want to fill the hole just use tung oil and lightly sand to form a slurry andwipe off. If you just want to waterproof use super glue and wipe off with acetone or wd40

 

[tychoseven]

I've fixed a few cracks in hidden tang handles by using a small (1/16" or less) drill bit to put holes at both ends of the crack, and then filling the holes and crack with epoxy. Work up some dust from the handle with 400 or higher grit sandpaper, and mix this in with the epoxy; it makes the crack less noticeable. I've had good success with this method.

 

[foxx]

I'd find out if it's stabilized, and go from there. I have used some Tung oil that sat out overnight, it got thick. It can end up looking like a clear coat.