Handle care

[herry2107]

Made a bit of a "schoolboy error" in cleaning the blade of my Karesuando Räven - whilst boiling water cleared dirt and glue off the blade it's also taken some of the finish off the birch handle, leaving it rough and washed-out looking.

There's endless resources available about blade care but not a whole lot about HANDLE care.

Anyone know how to restore the finish to a birch handle, and any tips on oils or waxes that work well on a knifehandle (and make it water resistant!!!).

This is 1 of my fave knives in my Scandi collection, so any tips would be appreciated

 

[Josey Wales]

Get some wire-wool and dip in a mixture of 2 parts meths or turpentine, and one part linseed oil. Then rub the handle and remember to GO WITH THE GRAIN! - or else you'll scratch it . If the handle is very rough then use some very fine sand-paper first. This should give a nice smooth finish.

Cheers,

 

[Josey Wales]

(forgot to say) you'll never get it really water-proof unless you varnish it which is a NONO because you can get blisters.

However do not dispair because the method which I told you is very simple and easy to do.


"Do you do it yourself" - Do I hear you cry?

"Every time I sharpen my knife and the handle get's wet" I must reply!!!!!

Cheers,

 

[Dave Barker]

I have refurbished many a handle. It would help a lot if you knew what oil was used first on the shaft.

if not this is my method.:

Sand back to say 600-800 paper and then up to round 12-1500.

once this is done take a soft cloth and dry all the dusu off.

Then use the oil of your choice.. i use junkers rustic and terps but whatever you want really.

I doubt that the knife has had a full saturating treatment , this can take time so you have a few choices.

Fix the knife blade first so you have access to the whole shaft and then use wither a cloth or some cotton wool and apply oil wet on wet until it takes no more, this can take from a few minutes to hours depending on the way the shaft was oiled before.

or you can dip treat it with a glass of oil, leave the knife in for a while, take it out.let it drip, then inn again.. do this a few times, let it dry for a week then buff.

You can wax ontop of the oil when dry...

get any trouble then send it to me.... i'll do if for you.. just cost post and return.

 

[herry2107]

Thanks for your help!