Which finishing wax??

[Daniel]

Hi all,

I've just finished oiling a knife handle with linseed oil, and I think I now need to put some finishing wax on it to, well, finish it...

Not sure which finishing wax would be best though, having never used any finishing wax before. The knife handle is looking really nice now that the oil has thoroughly soaked in, so I don't want the finishing wax to change the colour/appearance of the wood.

Anyone got any suggestions as to a good finishing wax to use? And any tips of using it? Or indeed do I even *need* to use it??

Cheers,
Dan

 

[jim_w]

You certainly don't need to use wax - I finished my knife handle with linseed oil, and I haven't noticed any problems arising from not waxing it. It may help with waterproofing or something, but I'm sure the experts will explain all that soon!

The only thing to bear in mind is that you never really finish oiling something - you've got to carry on oiling it periodically for ever, so I assume you'd have to apply new wax each time too... Or maybe the wax fixes the oil so you don't have to re-apply (doubtful). I think wax just makes the surface more shiny and polished, whereas oil actually improves the properties of the wood.

 

[Daniel]

Cheers jim_w!

I'm not interested in having the handle nice and shiny (it already looks good with just oil on it actually...), so I think i'll stick with just the linseed oil, and as you said, re-oil every now and then!

How often do you need to re-oil a knife handle, out of interest?

Also, as a side question, would one need to periodically re-oil a knife handle such as a woodlore? Anyone?

Cheers,
Dan

 

[Buckshot]

The old addage of...
Once a day for a week
Once a week for a month
Once a month for a year
Once a year for life

is normally used.

Cheers

Mark

 

[hyfan]

Hi you do not say which wood you used for your handle. In most cases I use Danish oil its a bit more expensive than linseed oil.Some tropical hardwoods are naturally oily so this will have an effect on the finish.To get a really good look on the wood try some Danish oil and some v fine wet and dry (100-1200grit) Then polish with a dry clean cloth.You get a mat finnish but I think this is what your after. Suggest you also look on British blades as there are articles on there to be found as well as in the knife section of this forum.

 

[Rod]

Daniel,

I have just re-oiled my Opinel with linseed and once dry - 'polished it' with the heel of my palm. I've used this technique a couple of times (for my tracking stick and on a walking staff I made for someone) and found it gives good results. It's cheap too

 

[Daniel]

Cheers Grasshopper, i'll give that a try once the handle's completely dry! I like cheap methods!!